Police said a trio of teenagers — two males and one female — swiped a senior woman’s purse on E. 14th St., and one of them slugged her when she tried to get it back.
The incident occurred on Thurs., Sept. 3, a few minutes before 7 p.m., in front of 402 E. 14th St., just east of First Ave. Cops said the three youths were walking past a 74-year old woman when one of the males reached out and snatched her purse.
The victim attempted to confront the group, but the other male punched her in the face, knocking her to the ground. The first male dropped the purse and all three fled on foot in an unknown direction.
Although the victim’s face was bruised and swollen from the attack and she also was left with cuts and scrapes on her hands, she refused medical attention. She did not lose any of her property.
According to news reports, the victim, who has lived in the city since 1963, was bringing food to friends.
Police described the first suspect as male, 14 to 16 years old, with a thin build and short dark dreadlocks. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a picture on the front, light-colored sweatpants and black sneakers.
The second suspect is a male, 16 to 18 years old, with a thin build, with short dark hair. He was last seen wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, maroon sweatpants, black sneakers and a surgical mask.
The third individual is a female, described as 14 to 16 years old, with a thick build and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a light-colored one-piece jumpsuit, a black sports bra and red Fila brand sandals.
Police released a photo and video of the three suspects taken at the incident location.
Police ask that anyone with information call the New York Police Department’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted on the Crime Stoppers Web site at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or on Twitter at @NYPDTips.
All tips are strictly confidential.
Ah, Johnson’s “people way” and its glories on 14th street.