Two women were mugged at knifepoint at a Manhattan subway station by a man who grabbed them from behind and wrapped a white cloth over their mouths, police say.
The victims were attacked at the Spring Street station serving the C & E lines at Sixth Avenue, according to police.
A 50-year-old woman was attacked at around 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 13, and a 49-year-old woman was targeted at about 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, police said.
In each case, the man grabbed the woman from behind, put the white cloth over her nose and mouth, brandished a knife and stole cash -- about $70-75 in both cases, according to police. Neither of the women was physically hurt.
Lucy Brinckerhoff, who works nearby, told News 4 she heard "bloodcurdling" screams after the attack Saturday morning. She ran across the street and saw the victim.
"I told her, 'I'm at the cafe across the street, do you want to come over, get a glass of water, calm yourself down?'" she recounted. "I think she was in shock, she didn't even answer me."
The timing of the attacks was more surprising to subway riders in the area.
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"It's not like it's a late-night thing, or super early," said straphanger Malene Barnett. "But we are in the city and it's about being cautious regardless."
The suspect is described as being about 25 years old, about 5 feet 9 inches, with a bald head. He was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, a gray sweat jacket, a white T-shirt, white sneakers and a black backpack with Nike logo.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at nypdcrimestoppers.com.
