MOUNT EDEN — A group of three men beat and robbed a woman last month, but they couldn't separate the victim from her purse, police say.
The crime, captured on dramatic surveillance video, took place in front of 140 E. 170th St., near Grand Concourse, just before 4 a.m., according to the NYPD.
The 25-year-old woman was standing alone on the sidewalk when she was surrounded by the three suspects who began punching her repeatedly on the head and back, according to police and the surveillance video.
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One of the men, described as a 5-foot-7, 150-pound teen, took the victim's Sony cell phone, while the second and third suspects, both described as men in dark clothing, tried to take her purse, police said.
One of the men yanked the woman's purse and dragged her several feet, but she held on tight and the trio fled, according to surveillance video.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES), then entering TIP577.