They not only robbed a man of his property, but perhaps of his good will.
Cops are asking for the public’s help in tracking down three thieves who duped a man into helping them fixed an allegedly disabled vehicle, then robbed and assaulted him in South Ozone Park last month.
Police said the robbery occurred at 6:35 p.m. on Dec. 15, 2016 in the vicinity of Rockaway Boulevard and 131st Street, when the three suspects got the attention of the 58-year-old male victim and claimed to have a dead car battery. He stopped to attempt to help them after seeing one of the individuals holding jumper cables.
Then, according to authorities, one of the suspects — described as a Hispanic male between 30 and 35 years of age — grabbed the victim’s wallet, leading to a physical struggle. During the fracas, the suspect bit the victim’s hand, and a second suspect — described as a black male — then pulled out a small knife and cut the victim’s hand and nose.
Police said the two men and a third individual, a female with a light complexion, then took the victim’s credit cards, $800 in cash and his cellphone, then fled the scene in a black Hyundai.
The theft was reported to the 106th Precinct; the victim was treated for his injuries.
Detectives later obtained security camera images of two women using the victim’s credit cards to make purchases at a Bath and Body Works store and a Champs apparel store.
Anyone with information regarding the suspects’ whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS, visit their website or send a text message to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
