Say Perpetrators Targeting Asian Victims
Detectives are investigating a pattern of robberies in South Richmond Hill in which two perpetrators targeted Asian victims, according to police.
The last incident happened at 12:20 a.m. on May 16 near Rockaway Boulevard and 113th Street. During this incident, law enforcement sources stated, the suspects approached a 55-year-old male, when one of the perpetrators forcibly removed his wallet-which contained $700 cash and credit cards-and the other bandit struck the victim in the face.
The suspects both fled in a black Kia Optima traveling east on 111th Street, police reported.
Authorities believe the incident is linked to four other robberies committed by a crew of as many as four unidentified bandits.
In each incident, police stated, the suspects approached Asian victims in the vicinity of Liberty Avenue and 125th and 126th streets, assaulted them and forcibly stole items.
The first robbery occurred at 8:55 p.m. on Apr. 10 near Liberty Avenue and 126th streets, police said. During this incident, suspects approached a 31-year-old man, pushed him against a wall, demanded property and stole his watch, necklace, bracelet, ring, $80 and his iPhone before fleeing the scene on foot.
Subsequent robberies occurred at 5 a.m. on Apr.19 in front of a Liberty Avenue location, where a 34-year-old male was confronted by four suspects that proceeded to punch the victim and steal his wallet containing $80; and at 5:20 a.m. on Apr. 21 at the corner of Liberty Avenue and 125th Street, when a 54-year-old woman- while walking to a bus stop-was approached by two suspects demanding her pocketbook.
The perpetrators then pushed her against a fence, stole her wallet containing $5 and iPhone and fled in a black vehicle, police reported.
The final robbery in the pattern happened at 10:45 p.m. on Apr. 30, in front of a 126th Street location. In this incident, one of the suspects pushed the 56-year-old man, while the other took his wallet which held $560 and credit cards.
Two of the suspects are described as Hispanic males in their twenties. One is described to be 5’6″-tall and weighing 150 lbs.; the other is reported to be 5’7″-tall and weighing 165 lbs.
Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577- TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
All calls and messages are strictly confidential.
