Search on for suspect in violent Bronx robbery spree; 2 victims stabbed
WILLIAMSBRIDGE, Bronx (WABC) -- Police are searching for a suspect wanted in a violent robbery spree in the Bronx.
Police say he threatens his victims with a knife and in some cases stabs them, even if they comply with his demands.
He has attacked at least five times in the past two weeks in the northeast Bronx, according to investigators.
The robberies have all taken place in the lobby of buildings as the victims enter or leave. One victim was stabbed in the back, another slashed in the face.
One lightning-fast robbery targeted Henry Fernandez as he was coming home from work last week. He handed over $90 he was carrying and his cell phone while the knife was pressed against his throat.
The distinctive knife he described can be seen in surveillance video obtained exclusively by Eyewitness News. It is from the first incident Jan. 10.
In that case the suspect approached 41-year-old Jose Perez in a building lobby and demanded his property, striking when Perez opened his umbrella.
"He stabbed me hard three times when I tried to put my hand in my pocket," said Perez, who told the suspect he would hand over his money but never had the chance.
A fierce struggle continued in the vestibule. Despite his injuries, the victim fought back. "I thought of my kids and said, I'm not going to let him kill me," said Perez, who managed to run away.
The suspect followed until the victim went into a check-cashing store for help.
As for Fernandez, who recognizes the suspect in the image released by police, there's unease he's struck again.
"Unfortunately there's not much we can do unless they catch him," he said.
The suspect is described as approximately 30-years-old, 5'7" tall, 200lbs., and last seen wearing a black and blue hooded jacket, black jeans and black sneakers.
He has stolen cash, cellphones and bank cards from his victims.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS.
The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at http://WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
