The NYPD has released a photo, recorded by an MTA surveillance camera, showing a man suspected in 16 robberies on the Lower East Side and Gramercy in the past couple of months. Police say the man often threatens victims with a knife or gun before stealing personal items, such as cell phones, iPods and wallets.
About half of the late night incidents have happened near East River Park. The first mugging happened May 5 at 205 Avenue C. The suspect swiped a necklace from a 59-year old woman. The robber has also targeted people on FDR Drive, Grand Street, East Houston Street, Montgomery Street, East 10th Street, East 13th Street and 23rd Street. Most recently (July 27), the suspect cornered two teens at 801 East 14th Street. An iPod and iPhone were stolen from the victims.
The suspect is described as a black male in his 30s; he has a thin mustache and thin beard and was last seen wearing a gray hoody, gray pants and black sneakers.
If you have information about these crimes, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
