Man pushing walker robbed of 13 dollars by teen in Bronx apartment elevator

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Monday, September 12, 2022
Man pushing walker robbed of 13 dollars by teen in Bronx apartment elevator
A man is speaking out after he was robbed in the elevator of his building in the Bronx. The suspect, police say, took out a knife. Naveen Dhaliwal has the exclusive.

HUNTS POINT, The Bronx (WABC) -- A man is speaking out after he was robbed in the elevator of his building in the Bronx. The suspect, police say, took out a knife.

For Rubin Garcia, 69, it was a close call. Garcia, who uses a walker, was robbed in his apartment elevator on Bryant Avenue on Friday evening.

"When I got inside the building, he hold the door, I get in," Garcia said.

Surveillance video shows the teenager waiting for Garcia to pick up his mail. Once the elevator opens, the 14-year-old quickly made his move from behind.

"When I pushed the button to take the elevator, he put his foot in the elevator, then he asked me if I got money," said Garcia.

The suspect had a knife and went right for Garcia's pockets.

"He put his hands on my front pockets and he took the money," added Garcia.

That wasn't enough - the teen inspected Garcia's walker further while using his foot to hold the elevator door.

Police say the suspect is now in custody - a relief for those living in the building.

Garcia says he has lived in the building for 21 years with no incident.

"It can happen to anybody - it can happen to me, it can happen to anybody," Garcia said.

Police say the teen suspect got away with $13. He is now facing charges for robbery and criminal possession of a weapon.

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