By Ben Fractenberg
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
STUYVESANT TOWN — Police are hunting for a suspected mugger wanted for targeting women inside their apartment buildings and threatening them with an ice pick who struck twice Thursday at Stuyvesant Town, the NYPD said.
The suspect robbed a 40-year-old woman in an elevator at a building at 17 Stuyvesant Oval about 3:15 p.m., taking her wallet and phone, police said.
He struck again just minutes later by cornering a 32-year-old woman in an elevator at 525 E. 14th St., taking her money and jewerly, police said.
He is described as in his 40s, 6 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds, with a close-cut beard and wearing a green jacket.
Some residents said the incidents made them feel unsafe.
"When I come home, the doors are propped open, and that really annoys me," said Martha Geissener, 72. "You don't have a doorman, you've got a lot of people coming in and out.
"It's unnerving."
Johnny O'Reilly, 39, who lives in the building where Thursday afternoon's robbery took place, said police had posted the image of the robbery suspect in Stuy Town buildings.
"It's horrible," O'Reilly said of the incidents. "My sister is sleeping upstairs right now."
Prune Perromat, 28, just moved in to Stuyvesant Town on Thursday.
"I thought it was supposed to be a nice place," Perromat said. "I'm scared."
Councilmember Dan Garodnick issued a statement Thursday evening in response to the attacks.
"We are all extremely disturbed to hear of the two attacks on Stuyvesant Town residents this afternoon. Residents are encouraged to be especially vigilant, and not to let anyone into the main lobbies that they do not know."
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), and then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
