A 66-year-old woman waiting for the B46 bus in Flatlands was grabbed by the hair and slammed to the ground in a sudden afternoon attack on Tuesday, April 14, according to police. The assault happened at the Utica Avenue and Avenue K stop, where investigators say the woman was approached from behind, pulled down and left with minor injuries. She declined medical attention at the scene, police said.
NYPD releases photo and clothing description
The NYPD has circulated a surveillance image of the suspect, described as a woman who was last seen in a tan jacket, black T-shirt, blue pants and multicolored sneakers, according to PIX11. That outlet reports police say the attack took place at about 4:50 p.m. at the B46 stop, where the assailant allegedly grabbed the victim’s hair, pushed her to the pavement, then ran north on Utica Avenue.
How to report tips
News 12 New York notes the victim is 66 and that she declined medical attention after the assault. Anyone with information about the April 14 incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online. Police say community tips and surveillance footage have helped crack similar transit cases.
Transit safety and older riders
Advocates and neighbors say attacks on seniors waiting for buses highlight ongoing worries about how safe older New Yorkers are while using public transit. Hoodline previously covered a February incident on a B42 bus in which a 74-year-old rider was injured. That B42 bus beatdown coverage noted that investigators often rely on Crime Stoppers posts and public tips to move bus-related probes forward.
The investigation into the Flatlands bus stop attack remains active, and detectives are asking anyone who recognizes the person in the released image or who witnessed the assault to come forward. Police are also urging residents and businesses near Utica Avenue and Avenue K to review any doorbell or security camera footage from around the time of the incident and call Crime Stoppers or their local precinct with any leads.
