LOWER MANHATTAN — Police are asking for help — and offering up to $2,500 in reward money — for information about a robber who's been targeting straphangers on the 1 train.
Police said the thief, described as thin, in his 40s, about 5-foot-10 and wearing a dark knit hat and hooded sweatshirt — has threatened several female passengers with a knife while demanding money.
There have been at least three incidents since Sept. 22, police said.
Most recently, on Oct. 6., a woman was approached by the robber during rush-hour, at 8:45 a.m, while riding a southbound 1 train. The man told the victim he "could cut" her, after demanding money, police said.
After she handed over about $35, he told her to move to the next train car. She got out at the Chambers and West Broadway stop and reported the incident to police.
In another, more violent incident, on Sept. 23, the robber approached a 29-year-old woman at about 1:30 a.m. on a southbound 1 train and told her he would stab her if she didn't give him her iPhone, police said.
The suspect proceeded to punch the victim in her face and chest, then grabbed her iPhone 4S, along with $48. The women declined medical attention at the scene, police said.
The robber also threatened a 30-year-old woman traveling on the 1 train at about 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 22. He said he would cut her and demanded money — she gave him $40 and he fled, without harming the woman, police said.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or visit its website. An award of up to $2,500 is being offered for information.
