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UWS Robbery Spree Suspect in Police Custody, Cops Say

By Emily Frost | May 16, 2013 1:30pm
 Police believe they found the man responsible for a rash of armed muggings. 
Armed Mugger Apprehended, Police Say
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UPPER WEST SIDE — A man suspected of pulling off at least a dozen robberies in the neighborhood has been taken into custody, a high-ranking police official said.

Inspector Nancy Barry of the 24th Precinct, where most of the robberies occurred, said Wednesday that cops caught up to the man earlier this week.

"They think they have the right guy," she said of cops. 

The suspect, whose identity has not been released, has not been charged, police said.

The brazen mugger — at times flashing a knife or gun or pretending to be armed struck between January and April, approaching individuals and robbing them of property, including cell phones, cash and even a pair of boots, police said.

The man struck between West 85th and West 109th streets and, in most cases, followed residents who were alone into their apartment building lobbies and elevators and then robbed them, cops said. 

In one instance, the mugger allegedly targeted a 24-year-old man in his apartment building, just a block from the 24th Precinct's headquarters, police said. 

Barry said police believe the man in custody is also responsible for two other knifepoint robberies, which occurred within minutes of each other, on April 12 between Columbus Avenue and West 95th Street, police said.

The 24th Precinct stepped up patrols in the area after the two Columbus Avenue robberies.

Barry said cops were bringing victims and witnesses in to help with the investigation.

"They're trying to bring the complainants in to ID him," she said. "They're pretty convinced they have the right guy."