The search is on for a man who robbed and viciously assaulted a 55-year old woman in Co-op City.
The attack occurred at 5:50 a.m. on Wednesday, November 2 in the elevator of Building 4A at 140 Donizetti Place. The assailant waited for his victim in the elevator, and once she entered he repeatedly punched her in the face. He then forced her out of the elevator, onto the building’s fourth floor and into its stairwell. He then took cash, jewelry and her cell phone.
The victim was taken to Einstein Hospital, where she was treated for facial lacerations and a broken rib. She has since been released from the hospital.
“Residents should not allow anyone into their building (who) they do not know and are requested to report any suspicious behavior in Co-op City’s department of public safety,” RiverBay Corporation general manager Vernon Cooper said.
Captain Russell Green, of the 45th Precinct, said his detectives have “a few encouraging leads,” despite no arrests, as of Tuesday, November 8.
Green also said the incident was unusual for Co-op City.
“Co-op is safe, we don’t have any problems in Co-op,” Green said. “We saw him on the surveillance video riding up and down the elevator looking for an easy victim and that’s what he found. They have great video surveillance video up there.”
Green also said it stood out because it appeared to be a case of a large, strapping man attacking a middle-aged woman, who was defenseless in the circumstances.
“It’s noteworthy because its rare (in Co-op City), but also because this guy was violent and the victim was a 55-year-old-female. He dragged her off the elevator.”
Green encouraged anyone who recognizes the individual from the surveillance image or knows anything about the incident to contact the 45th Precinct’s detective squad at (718) 822-5414.
Bill Weisbrod can be reached via e-mail at wweisbrod@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3394.
