Police are searching for a man accused of preying on two elderly women in East Flatbush last week, snatching a purse in one case and just a few dollars in the other. The first robbery happened last Saturday when a man on a scooter allegedly grabbed a 79-year-old woman's purse. Three days later, investigators say the same suspect shoved an 86-year-old woman to the sidewalk and took about $10 from her handbag. The second victim was treated for minor injuries while investigators canvass the neighborhood for leads.
Police release details
According to News 12 Brooklyn, the first incident unfolded last Saturday near Winthrop Street and East 54th Street when a man riding a scooter reportedly swooped in, grabbed the 79-year-old's purse, and took off. Police say he struck again last Tuesday in front of 727 Utica Avenue, where he pushed an 86-year-old woman to the ground and removed roughly $10 from her bag. She was treated for minor injuries. Investigators are urging anyone who recognizes the suspect to contact the NYPD.
Where this fits
The incidents come amid a troubling pattern of attacks on older New Yorkers. Recently, surveillance images in a separate shove-and-rob of a 79-year-old subway rider drew public attention to similar crimes. At the same time, city NYPD CompStat reports show robberies are down year-to-date across much of Brooklyn, suggesting these East Flatbush cases may mark a localized spike rather than a borough-wide surge.
How to help
Anyone with information can submit an anonymous tip through NYPD Crime Stoppers or call 1-800-577-TIPS. Police say video captured on phones or doorbell cameras around the dates in question could be crucial to the investigation.
As of publication, no arrests have been announced. Detectives continue to review footage and interview witnesses to develop leads, according to News 12 Brooklyn, and authorities are urging residents to preserve any video taken on or around the incident dates and share it with investigators.
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