Suspect Pinched In F.H., Kew Gdns. Capers
Charges are pending against a man taken into custody by police in connection with a recent series of purse snatchings in Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill, it was reported.
The suspect, whose identity was withheld, was arrested last Friday, Feb. 21, and is undergoing psychiatric evaluation, according to published reports.
Law enforcement sources said the pattern of robberies involved a perpetrator-at times, armed with a sharp object-swiping pocketbooks from women on streets during late night and early morning hours. In two instances, the bandit reportedly placed the victim in a bearhug.
Police said the first caper occurred at 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 11 in the vicinity of Lefferts Boulevard and Metropolitan Avenue in Kew Gardens.
Reportedly, the crook approached the victim from behind and pushed her up against a nearby fence. Authorities stated he then displayed a box cutter and removed her purse.
After obtaining the victim’s property, the suspect fled on foot in an unknown direction.
The second incident occurred the following night, Feb. 12, at about 11:45 p.m. on Continental Avenue near Dartmouth Street in Forest Hills Gardens, law enforcement sources said.
The bandit reportedly exited from a dark-colored, four-door sedan, approached the victim and placed her in a bearhug. Authorities said the perpetrator threatened to cut the woman, although no weapon was displayed.
Police said the suspect then removed the victim’s purse and returned to the sedan, which sped away from the location.
Finally, according to authorities, the third robbery occurred at about 1:45 a.m. last Wednesday, Feb. 19, in the vicinity of Austin Street and 71st Road in Forest Hills.
As in the second caper, it was reported, the suspect approached the victim and placed her in a bearhug. Police stated he held a sharp object against the woman’s hand and removed her purse.
The bandit reportedly fled from the scene in a dark-colored, four-door sedan, authorities said.
The Kew Gardens robbery was reported to the 102nd Precinct, while the 112th Precinct responded to the Forest Hills capers.
