Police searching for two suspects in brutal Queens assaults

ELMHURST, Queens (WABC) -- Police are trying to track down two suspects in Queens who started off with petty thefts, then escalated to brutal assaults. According to police the men beat down their victims and snatched their cash. One of the most recent robberies ended with a stabbing.

"Three guys, very young," said John Orilleina.

Orilleina got a black eye and a swollen jaw as he was walking home from work on Friday night on Deman Street in Elmhurst. Around 11:30, the suspects jumped him.

"They didn't get anything from me. Security came out of the building, and they didn't get anything from me," Orilleina added.

Since January 28th, police believe the pair is responsible for nine separate incidents in Jackson Heights and Elmhurst, first hitting, kicking and punching their victims before stealing their cash and cellphones.

In one incident, the suspects threatened the victim with a knife. In another, they threatened to shoot the victim, but never actually displayed a gun.

In another incident on Friday, February 10th, they say the suspects attacked two people within ten minutes.

Orilleina said he was scared coming home from work.

"I always come home late from work - like 11:30 or 12, and at times I'm alone," he said.