Police say that just before 1 p.m., the suspect entered the Green Tea Acupuncture Wellness center on East 28th Street near Second Avenue and demanded money from the 40-year-old victim.
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The suspect then began punching the woman in the face and body and demanded that she take off her clothing before he got away with $500.
The man was then caught on surveillance video running from the scene.
The victim was taken to a local hospital where she was treated for abrasions to her face and released.
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The suspect is described as being 6'2" tall, weighing approximately 220 pounds, with blotchy skin, brown eyes, and short curly black hair.
He was last seen wearing a dark blue jacket, blue jeans, black sneakers, and a multi-colored backpack.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477, submit tips online at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com, or text any tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and then enter TIP577.