Asians Targeted in Manhattan Elevator Robberies: Police

Police are investigating a series of violent elevator robberies in Manhattan apparently targeting Asian men and women. 

The robberies occurred between Jan. 17 and Jan. 24 in East Harlem, police said. In each incident, the suspect followed the victim into an elevator and assaulted them, punching them in the face and head. The suspect then forcefully took valuables like cell phones, wallets, keys and cash, before running away. 

The victims have ranged in age from 44 to 64. Each was taken to area hospital to be treated for injuries to the face. 

The suspect is described as being between 25 to 35 years old, 200 to 240 pounds, and was last seen wearing a black jacket and blue jeans.

Anyone who recognized the suspect pictured in the surveillance photo is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or at nypdcrimestoppers.com.

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