Three young robbers have targeted older people in Coney Island at least five times over the past month and a half, police said.
The three suspects first struck on West 33rd Street back on Nov. 30. Police say they targeted a 61-year-old woman who was about to enter her apartment building, stealing a purse that contained a cellphone and $6 in cash.
Less than a month later, on Dec. 19, the trio went after a 68-year-old man outside an apartment building on West 33rd Street. Police said they punched the man, causing him to lose consciousness, and then stole $120 from his wallet. The man told NBC 4 New York he suffered a spinal injury.
The trio struck once more on Dec. 27, when police said they targeted a 78-year-old man inside a building hallway on West 30th Street. They tried to hit the man and then stole $160 in cash, a MetroCard and bank card from him.
The most recent robberies connected to the trio were on Dec. 29, police said. They kicked a 62-year-old woman in the back on West 33rd Street, causing the woman to fall and hit her head. They then pushed an 82-year-old woman from behind on West 35th Street before stealing her purse, which contained $350 in cash.
All of the victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said Monday a 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the Dec. 27 mugging. They're not yet sure if he's connected to the other robberies.
