NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- A spree thief has been robbing boys on the streets of Queens, including one teen who was punched as he was mugged, police said Tuesday as they released images of the suspect.
The male suspect has robbed at least three boys in North Corona—two in January and one in December, according to police.
In the most recent robbery on Jan. 14, a 15-year-old boy was walking at Junction Boulevard and 37th Avenue around 3:20 p.m. when he was approached by the suspect, who was accompanied by a second person, police said.
One of the thieves punched the boy as the second one demanded his property, according to police. They ultimately stole his phone and fled on foot.
The victim suffered a minor injury that didn't require medical attention.
Police believe the suspect has robbed three boys in North Corona.NYPD
About three hours before that robbery, the main suspect singlehandedly targeted a 13-year-old boy who was walking at 102nd Street and 34th Avenue, police said.
He grabbed the boy and demanded his property while threatening to hurt him, according to police.
The boy, who cops said wasn't injured, handed over his phone, which the suspect fled with on foot.
The NYPD has also linked the suspect to a third robbery on Dec. 22, when a 13-year-old boy was mugged as he walked at 100th Street and 34th Avenue just after 3 p.m.
In that robbery, the thief simulated a knife in his pocket while stealing the boy's phone. The victim was not injured, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
