‘Doorman’ Punches Woman, Tries to Steal Her Purse

Man Posing as Good Samaritan Wanted for Beating Woman

The NYPD is searching for this man in connection with an assault on a woman and attempted purse snatching. -Photo by NYPD

By Dan Gesslein

Bronx Voice

February 29, 2024

BRONX - A man posing as a Good Samaritan trying to help a woman is wanted by cops for viciously beating the victim in an attempted purse snatching, the NYPD announced. 

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At around 8:30 pm on February 25, a 65-year-old woman was returning to her apartment building in the vicinity of the Grand Concourse and East 164th Street. A man from behind walked past her and opened the door to the building holding it open for the woman. Once in the vestibule the “doorman” asked the woman to open the second interior door. Cops said the victim refused and the alleged Good Samaritan pounced. 

The man began punching the victim repeatedly in the face while trying to forcibly steal her handbag. Despite the repeated punches and the attacker pulling on the handbag, the victim would not let go. The attacker finally fled the building. 

However, the NYPD has surveillance video of the suspect from inside the building. He is described as a male who is 5 foot 9 with a dark complexion and medium build. He was last seen wearing a black skullcap, black hooded sweatshirt with a black shirt underneath, black sweatpants, and tan Crocs. He also wore a pair of old-school style headphones atop his head.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips. 

All calls are strictly confidential.