Police are searching for two to four suspects wanted in a string of thefts around the South Richmond Hill area where the robbers assaulted pedestrians before stealing from them.
In all the incidents, the suspects targeted Asian victims, mostly around the area of Liberty Avenue on 125th and 126th streets, cops said.
The suspects first robbed a 34-year-old man near Liberty Avenue and 126th Street on April 10, according to police. They pushed the victim against the wall, demanded his property and took his watch, necklace, bracelet, wallet, ring, $80 and iPhone before fleeing on foot.
On Saturday, April 19, a 34-year-old male was approached by four suspects on Liberty Avenue near 125th Street, who punched him and removed his wallet containing $80 and other items, officials said.
Two days later, at the corner of Liberty Avenue and 125th Street, a 54-year-old woman was walking to a bus stop when she was approached by two suspects who pushed her against a fence and demanded that she give them her pocketbook, cops said. The suspects then took her wallet, $5 and her cell phone and fled in a black vehicle.
On April 30, on 126th Street near 95th Avenue, one suspect pushed a 56-year-old man while a second suspect removed his wallet containing $560, credit cards and a driver’s license. Both suspects then fled, according to police.
In the latest robbery, on Friday, near Rockaway Boulevard and 113th Street, one suspect followed a 55-year-old man and took his wallet containing $700, credit cards and a driver’s license while a second suspect struck the victim in the face. Both suspects fled eastbound on 111th Street in a black Kia Optima, officials said.
Police have released a video from Friday’s incident, and describe two of the suspects as men in their twenties. One is about five feet six inches tall and 150 pounds; the second suspect is around 5 feet 7 inches tall and 165 pounds.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or can text their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
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