QUEENS — An 85-year-old woman was mugged near her Forest Hills apartment building Sunday night, police and the victim said.
Barbara Kupferberg told DNAinfo New York Tuesday that she was walking home from the Forest Hills Jewish Center around 7 p.m. when a man approached her from behind, grabbed her bag and ran away.
The attack happened on 72nd Road, near 112th Street, police said. It was first reported by the Daily News.
“I walk the same route about five times a week,” said Kupferberg, who has lived about a block away from where she was attacked for more than 60 years.
“It’s a dark street and you never see anyone there so I usually walk quickly.”
But she said that on Sunday evening she decided to walk slowly to "enjoy the night."
“I didn’t pay attention," she said.
The thief snatched her purse, which contained her cellphone, library card and wallet with a credit card and about $100 in cash, authorities said.
“I did not see him well,” said Kupferberg.
“I grabbed the gate of the apartment building in front of which I was standing but I lost my balance and I fell.”
She said she injured her left ankle and got several bruises on her side.
“I hope it won’t happen to anyone else,” she added.
No arrests had been made as of Tuesday, police said.