Police say suspect struck three times in less than two hours across southeast Queens
QUEENS, NY — Detectives are searching for a suspect accused of targeting women in a string of daytime necklace snatchings across Queens, leaving multiple victims with minor injuries during three robberies within a span of less than two hours.
The New York City Police Department said the incidents occurred on Wednesday, June 24, within the confines of the 103rd and 113th precincts. Police said the suspect is also wanted in connection with a robbery pattern spanning the 103rd, 108th, 110th and 113th precincts.
The first robbery was reported at approximately 4:25 p.m. near the intersection of 111th Avenue and Merrick Boulevard in the 113th Precinct.
According to investigators, a 37-year-old woman was approached from behind, and the suspect forcibly removed a gold pendant from her neck before fleeing southbound on Merrick Boulevard. The victim suffered minor neck injuries but declined hospitalization. Police estimated the pendant’s value at approximately $1,000.
About an hour later, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a 65-year-old woman was approaching the intersection of Merrick Boulevard and Linden Boulevard when the same suspect allegedly approached from behind and forcibly removed two necklaces from her neck.
Police said the suspect again fled southbound on Merrick Boulevard. The victim sustained minor neck injuries and was not hospitalized.
The third robbery occurred at approximately 6 p.m. in the 103rd Precinct near 89-12 164th Street.
Investigators said a 61-year-old woman was walking to her vehicle when the suspect approached from behind, grabbed her necklace and fled southbound on 164th Street.
The victim suffered minor neck injuries but did not require hospitalization. Police estimated the stolen necklace was worth approximately $1,800.
The suspect remains unidentified, and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or, in Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or through @NYPDTips on X.
Key Points
- Police are searching for a suspect linked to three necklace snatchings in Queens.
- Three women suffered minor injuries during robberies that occurred within less than two hours.
- Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers.
