Bronx detectives are asking neighbors in the 46th Precinct to help identify a suspect wanted in a pair of pre-dawn robberies that targeted two older women just off East Tremont Avenue by the Grand Concourse, one day apart. In the span of two mornings, one woman had her cellphone snatched and another was shoved to the sidewalk during an attempted purse grab, police said, leaving her with minor arm injuries.
Police Release Images, Ask Neighbors to Speak Up
In a post on the NYPD Crime Stoppers page, investigators said the first robbery took place around 6:20 a.m. on Feb. 3 at the northeast corner of East Tremont Avenue and Grand Concourse. A 67-year-old woman was standing at the corner when her cellphone was grabbed, according to the account.
The following morning, at about 5:25 a.m. on Feb. 4, a second incident was reported in front of 121 East Tremont Avenue. Police say a 59-year-old woman was pushed to the ground during an attempted purse snatch, and the suspect took off on foot. Detectives say the person in the released images is wanted in connection with what they have labeled a robbery pattern inside the 46th Precinct, according to NYPD Crime Stoppers.
What Happened to the Victims, According to Detectives
Police said the Feb. 3 victim, a 67-year-old woman, had her cellphone taken. The device was valued at approximately $1,500, and she did not require hospitalization, according to the department’s post.
The Feb. 4 victim, who is 59, suffered minor injuries to her left arm after being pushed to the pavement, but she was not hospitalized, officials said. In that case, the assailant was not able to get her property and fled the scene. The department captioned the appeal for help with the words “WANTED FOR A ROBBERY PATTERN,” and detectives are asking anyone who recognizes the person shown to contact investigators through Crime Stoppers.
A Wider Bronx Robbery Pattern
These incidents line up with a broader stretch of predawn cellphone snatches and robbery cases that have been hitting Bronx corridors and subway platforms in recent weeks, with detectives relying heavily on surveillance footage to track suspects. As reported in coverage of a predawn phone robbery crew, police have recently pushed out images tied to other Bronx robberies that targeted both subway riders and pedestrians.
How to Share Tips With Investigators
The NYPD is asking anyone with information to save any relevant surveillance or cellphone video and contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS, using the Spanish line at 888-57-PISTA, or submitting a tip online, according to the department. Detectives also accept direct messages to @NYPDTips on social media, and tips that lead to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward.
Officials stressed that residents should not try to confront anyone they believe may be involved and should call 911 if they see a crime in progress. Those who reach out with footage or details are asked to reference the department’s social media post so investigators can quickly match incoming tips to the images that were released.
