NEW YORK – DECEMBER 18: A Metrocard machine displays the current price, $1.50, for a ride on the New York City subway or bus lines at a subway station December 18, 2002 in New York City. With the threat of a transit strike over, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) is expected to seek a 25-cent-or 50-cent hike in New York subway and bus fares. New York City transit fares have heled steady at $1.50 since 1995, the longest stretch without an increase since 1953-1966. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
An elderly Asian man was attempting to purchase a MetroCard from a subway station's vending machine on Saturday when he was robbed of several hundred dollars, police said.
The 77-year-old victim was making a purchase the Lower East Side station at Chrystie Street and Grand Street when he was approached by two men and a woman, police said.
The group ripped his pants pockets and stole $500 from the man, police officials said. The incident occurred sometime before 2 p.m. Saturday.
Police said the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force is not investigating the incident.
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The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been announced.
