MANHATTAN, N.Y. — The New York City Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man wanted in connection with a series of robberies targeting elderly individuals in the 19th Precinct.
The first incident occurred on Monday, August 5, 2024, at approximately 12:04 p.m. Police reported that a 74-year-old woman was walking in front of 66 East 83rd Street when an unidentified man approached her from behind and forcibly removed a $7,000 Rolex watch from her left wrist. The suspect fled northbound on East 83rd Street and Park Avenue. The victim refused medical attention at the scene.
The second incident took place on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at approximately 6:30 p.m. An 81-year-old man was at the corner of 3rd Avenue and East 68th Street when an unidentified individual approached him from behind and forcibly removed a $25,000 antique Omega watch from his wrist. The suspect fled northbound along 3rd Avenue. The victim also declined medical attention.
The third incident was reported on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at approximately 12:58 p.m. An 80-year-old woman was walking in front of 815 Park Avenue when a man approached her from behind and forcefully removed a $20,000 Ebel 18-karat gold watch from her left wrist, causing her pain. The suspect fled eastbound on East 75th Street towards Lexington Avenue. The victim refused medical attention.
The individual sought by police is described as a male with a dark complexion, approximately 40 to 50 years old, 5’9″ in height, weighing around 155 pounds, and of slim build. He was last seen wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt with white lettering, light-colored jeans, white sneakers, a dark-colored NY Yankees cap, and a blue face mask under his chin.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact the NYPD.