Thief breaks man's eye socket while stealing candle at Bronx church on Christmas Eve

Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly broke a man's eye socket while robbing a Bronx church on Christmas Eve
Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly broke a man's eye socket while robbing a Bronx church on Christmas Eve. Photo credit NYPD

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The NYPD released images Friday of a suspect who allegedly broke a man's eye socket while stealing a candle from a Bronx church on Christmas Eve.

According to police, the suspect walked into Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on East 187th Street in Belmont around 6 p.m. on Dec. 24.

He then stole a candle from the alter and was approached by the victim, a 64-year-old man, who tried to retrieve the candle.

The suspect fled the church after the attack
The suspect fled the church after the attack. Photo credit Google Street View, NYPD

Instead, the suspect struck the victim in the face, causing an orbital bone fracture, police said.

The suspect fled the church before EMS arrived and transported the victim to St. Barnabas Hospital in stable condition.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

Featured Image Photo Credit: NYPD