Arrest made in two violent robberies on Upper East Side
UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- Police have made an arrest in two violent robberies on the Upper East Side.
Police say Ernesto Jimenez-Santiago, 19, is one of the men involved in the robbery of an 80-year-old woman, who was followed into her building earlier this month.
It happened on Tuesday, January 9th around 8:20 p.m.
Video shows her struggling with her attacker as he tried to steal her purse inside her apartment complex on E. 88th Street and 1st Avenue.
After a struggle, she fell to the floor and screamed for help.
Jimenez-Santiago is also charged in the robbery of a 23-year-old woman on December 15th.
It happened at12:30 a.m. at Lexington and East 92nd Street, just a few blocks away.
One man tried to grab a 23-year-old woman's purse, and when he was unsuccessful, two other men joined in the attack and stole her purse.
One thing of note is that one of the men in that robbery was seen using a cane.
"I've never really felt unsafe in this neighborhood, but it kind of makes you have your guard up more," said Mara Van Geldern, a resident.
Police are continuing to search for the other two suspects.
Police are asking anyone with information on this to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
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