Elderly victim speaks out after assault, robbery in Brooklyn deli

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, Brooklyn (WABC) -- Police are searching for two suspects who robbed a 78-year-old man in Brooklyn, and they're hoping surveillance video will lead to an arrest.

The incident happened on March 22 and was caught on camera at Shorty's Deli on Marcus Garvey Boulevard in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Authorities say one man punched the victim, Ramon Owolewa, numerous times in the face and body, while the second suspect took his wallet and cell phone, reportedly because Owolewa wouldn't let the younger man use his phone.

"I'm not feeling too good," he told Eyewitness News reporter Sandra Bookman. "I thank God that I'm here talking to you."

Owolewa is still recovering from the vicious, unprovoked attack, nursing a split lip, a black eye and a bump on the head.

Officers from the nearby 79th Precinct called an ambulance after the Nigerian native walked over to report the attack. He said it's the first time in more than 40 years that he's had to deal with police.

"Never," he said. "I don't look for trouble."

Ironically, Owolewa said this was the first time he'd ever walked into the store, even though he passes it to catch the bus. Now, he says he'll likely never go in again. But he simply wants one thing.

"They must be punished," he said. "If they don't be punished, they'll do the same thing to other people."

The suspects fled the store in an unknown direction.

The first is described as being in his mid to late 20s, approximately 5-foot-8 with a slim build and a beard, last seen wearing a brown jacket, a gray hooded sweater and gray sweatpants. The second suspect (not pictured) is 35 to 40 years old, approximately 5-foot-8 and 215 pounds with a beard. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweater, a red and black plaid sweater, blue jeans and black sneakers.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).