By Tara Kyle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Police are hunting for a man who slammed a 30-year-old woman in the head with a brick just to steal the $5 in her wallet, the NYPD said.
The attack happened in Chelsea about 2 a.m. on Nov. 9, in front of 217 W. 18th Street, according to police reports.
The woman, who was walking just 40 feet from her home, was taken to an area hospital where she received stitches in her head, police said.
The suspect, who is described as a 6 foot tall, 180-pound black man in his 30s, passed the victim on the street before turning and striking her, according to the NYPD. He then stole her bag, which contained $5 in cash, police said.
Speaking Wednesday night at a Community Council meeting for the NYPD's 10th Precinct, Deputy Inspector Elissa Cokkinos said the incident appeared to be random and did not fit into any recent crime pattern.
"He might have just been lurking and saw an opportunity," Cokkinos said.
At the time of the robbery, the suspect wore a gray and green hooded sweatshirt, jeans and black sneakers, according to police reports.
Neighborhood residents walking at night should use well-lit streets, travel in pairs and be aware of their surroundings, Cokkinos said Wednesday.
The 10th Precinct is now distributing flyers and sketches of the suspect throughout the area and to neighboring precincts.
"Please don't try to grab this person," Cokkinos said. "Just call 911 and we'll respond."
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.
All calls are strictly confidential.
