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Mugger Putting Women in Bear Hugs in Kew Gardens and Forest Hills: NYPD

By Aidan Gardiner | February 21, 2014 10:04am
Suspect in Queens Robbery Pattern
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NYPD

QUEENS — A violent robber has put women in bear hugs in Kew Gardens and Forest Hills and threatened to cut them, police said.

The suspect first struck around 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 11, pushing a woman up against a fence at Lefferts Boulevard and Metropolitan Avenue, the NYPD said.

He then whipped out a box cutter and snatched her purse before running away, police said.

The next night, the suspect hopped out of a dark-colored car at Continental Avenue and Dartmouth Street and grabbed another woman in a bear hug about 11:45 p.m., the NYPD said.

He threatened to cut the woman and then grabbed her purse before driving away, police said.

The suspect struck again about 1:45 a.m. on Feb. 19, when he again grabbed another woman in a bear hug in front of 71-25 Austin St. and pressed a sharp object against her hand, police said.

He snatched her purse and drove off in a dark sedan, the NYPD said.

Police released footage from the third robbery showing the suspect walking from his car.

None of the women were injured in the attacks, an NYPD spokeswoman said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).