QUEENS — Cops are hunting for an Astoria mugger who targeted women, threatened them with a knife and stole their iPhones.
The suspect, described as 20-25 years old and weighing approximately 165 pounds, has struck three times within four days during the spree, which began on Sept. 14, cops said.
The news came on the day that the iPhone 5 was released and as the NYPD fanned out to Apple stores to register the gadgets amid a rash of thefts.
In the first instance, he allegedly approached a 27-year-old woman on the corner of 35th Street and 36th Avenue at 10 p.m. He threatened her with a knife, punched her in the face and stole her iPhone before fleeing.
The next day he allegedly attacked a 23-year old woman who was walking at 6 p.m. around 24th Street and 28th Avenue, again threatening her with a knife, punching her in the face and stealing her iPhone, police said.
The most recent attack occurred on Sept. 17, when the suspect mugged two women, 23- and 27-years old, who were walking around 39th Avenue and 31st Street.
He approached them at 8:10 p.m. and told them he had a gun. Then he stole their cellphones — iPhone and Galaxy — and fled.
None of the victims required medical attention.
Anyone with information in regard to 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 enter TIP 577.
All calls are strictly confidential.
