The convict who authorities say has been preying on elderly residents in New York City has been on the lam from parole officers for more than a year, NBC 4 New York has learned.
Clarence Jones, 65, is suspected in a series of violent robberies this year where senior citizens have been beaten and robbed. But sources tell NBC 4 New York, he's been wanted for violating his parole -- stemming from an attack on a 76-year-old woman in the Bronx -- since November 2014.
Jones, who has 19 prior arrests on charges including assault, burglary and robbery, had been released from prison in May 2014. Sources say he went to his first six parole office visits after his release and was in contact with police over four random visits.
But four months later, sources say things changed. Authorities say that Jones allegedly attacked and robbed a 76-year-old woman at Grand Concourse and Bedford Park Boulevard, telling the victim "shut up or I'll kill you."
Afterward, sources say he failed to report to his parole officer in November, and he was gone when the officer went to check on him the next day. Authorities tried to make contact with the man on five other occasions, and a warrant was put out for his arrest later that month.
He's been on the lam ever since, sources say.
Authorities say that he's attacked and robbed at least eight other people, including six victims in their 70s and 80s, since February. Police say they're also looking into whether he could be linked to other violent robberies on senior citizens across the city.
In the wake of the attacks in Park Slope, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams went to a senior center to educate elderly people about security.
Anyone with information about the suspect should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
