An elderly Army veteran is robbed in broad daylight. Now the police need your help identifying the man responsible. NY1's Clodagh McGowan has the story in this week's Crime Stoppers report.
It's just after noon on Monday July 17th. As a 71-year-old man walks alone on Mansion Street in Parkchester, someone sneaks up behind him.
"I was grabbed by him, from behind. Someone, I was thinking it was a friend of mine, playing a practical joke on me. Then I felt he grabbed my...chain. My gold chain, I always wear," said the victim.
The victim asked we conceal his identity because police say the robber seen in the surveillance video, is still out there. Officer Angel Rodriguez of the 43rd Precinct is investigating the theft. He says he hopes someone will recognize the suspect and come forward.
"It is very important. It could happen to anybody and it shouldn't. It shouldn't happen, especially to a 71-year-old man," Rodriguez said.
The victim describes the robbery as violent and while he tried to fight off the thief, he still managed to get away.
"I threw a punch at him but I missed," said the victim.
For the victim, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. the chain is worth more than it's weight in gold. The gold cross and charm with his nickname "Joe " were a gift from his late mother.
"Both items are very sentimental to me," said the victim.
Officer Rodriguez says the victim has fingered the man in this video, wearing a black tanktop and black jeans, with braids - as the suspect.
"It happened before the incident took place, I'd say maybe a block or two away from the crime," Rodriguez said.
Anyone with information about the suspect or the location of the gold chain, is asked to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Anonymity is guaranteed and there is a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.