Surveillance footage of a suspect terrorizing residents in and around Woodhaven. Photo Courtesy of NYPD.
Police are still looking for a bike-riding robbery suspect who has been terrorizing middle-aged and older women in the Woodhaven area since at least early December.
Reports say the suspect is riding a mountain bike and stealing pocketbooks and cell phones from his victims.
The suspect is described by police as being either a black or Hispanic male in his late teens to early 20s.
Police say the robbers’ attacks have become increasingly more violent as the suspect fights his victims hard for their pocketbooks or phones. Unconfirmed reports say that one victim may have suffered a broken arm while attempting to fend off a robbery.
Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association, said there’s been a perception about the thief that he rides up from behind people on the sidewalk.
“But it’s not just on the sidewalks,” Wendell said in an email statement. “People need to know that they have to be aware of their surroundings at all times. If they walk into the street to get into the passenger side of a car, watch out for a bicyclist speeding towards you.”
Wendell noted that this bicycle robber was the very first item discussed at a recent 102 precinct community council meeting in Richmond Hill.
“My opinion here,” said Wendell, “is that someone this brazen, attacking women in broad daylight needs that money for a reason.” He added that he likely won’t be able to quit feeding whatever habit is driving him, “so he won’t quit attacking.”
Wendell said he’d like to get the word out that this particular suspect is not a simple pickpocket or a thief, but a violent offender who has hurt people and is likely to hurt someone badly.
At the community council meeting, Captain Sautner asked for help from the community to catch the robber.
Police are offering a possible reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. Contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or text tips to TIP577 plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Online tips can also be submitted through nypdcrimestoppers.com. All information will be kept confidential.
