PHOTO: 102nd Precinct detectives have asked for help in identifying this man, who is wanted in connection with a series of scams perpetrated in January in Woodhaven. Photo Courtesy of NYPD
By Michael V. Cusenza
Police have cautioned Woodhaven area apartment seekers and asked for the public’s help in tracking down a man who they say is responsible for a series of scams in January.
On Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016 at 5 a.m., the 55-year-old female victim left her 90th Street apartment while two individuals were painting inside. Upon returning home, she discovered that $800 cash and a flat-screen television was removed.
On Friday, Jan. 22, at 4 p.m., a 30-year-old man found an ad on Craig’s List for apartment rental on 90th Street. The victim met with the suspect at the location, where he gave him money in order to rent the apartment.
That same day, around 7 a.m. a 21-year-old man met with the suspect to rent an apartment on 90th Street; the wanted individual took money from the victim as a security deposit.
The following day, the man met with the suspect, according to investigators, and gave him money with the intention of renting an apartment on 90th Street.
And on Sunday, Jan. 31, a 25-year-old woman did meet the suspect and gave money under the pretense that the individual did have an apartment for rent on 90th Street.
The suspect is described as a 33-year-old Hispanic man, approximately 5-foot-8, 165 pounds, with brown eyes, brown hair, and a light complexion.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto NYPDCrimestoppers.com or by texting info to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
All correspondences are strictly confidential.
michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
