By Tom Liddy
DNAinfo News Editor
MANHATTAN - A hulking thief nicknamed Dante has been terrorizing Chinatown and Union Square, choking victims before making off with their cash, police said.
In the incidents, which began last month, the suspect befriends the victims before attacking them, according to cops.
The thug struck first on May 30 at Third Avenue and E. 16th St., setting on a 27-year-old man and engaging him in conversation.
Suddenly, the suspect choked the victim from behind and took his jewelry and cash in the 4:30 a.m. attack.
Then, on Monday, June 13, at 7:15 a.m., he approached a 30-year-old man in the lobby of a Chinatown/Little Italy building, choked him and snatched his wallet.
The exact location of the crime was not disclosed.
Cops say the suspect is 25-years-old, 6-foot-1 to 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. He has a star tattoo under his eye, a tattoo on his neck and writing on his chest.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or text tips to 274637(CRIMES) and then enter TIP577.
