Queens, New York – A teenage suspect has been charged for a violent attack on a 68-year-old woman outside a church in Queens, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. The incident, which left the victim in critical condition, involved the suspect shoving the woman and robbing her as she was on her way to church. The teenager’s name has been withheld due to his age, and he has also been linked to another robbery that occurred earlier.
Katz expressed outrage at the brutality of the crime, stating that the suspect’s actions shocked the city. The victim was walking up the stairs to the church when the teen allegedly pushed her, causing her to fall and hit her head on the concrete. Surveillance video captured the incident, showing the suspect taking the victim’s purse, which contained valuables such as money, a cellphone, a credit card, and car keys.
Authorities reported that the suspect fled the scene in the victim’s car after the robbery. The victim was left in critical condition, prompting an intensive investigation that led to the suspect’s arrest near his residence. The teenager was also implicated in another robbery that took place on April 4th, where he allegedly demanded money and keys from a woman in an elevator, claiming to have a weapon.
Facing a multitude of charges for the church robbery and the April 4th incident, the suspect could potentially face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. The charges include assault, robbery, grand larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property. The teenager’s arrest underscores the severity of the crimes committed and the impact on the victims involved. The investigation into the incidents continues as the legal process unfolds.
Matthew Euzarraga, a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas, has been covering local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. Joining the PIX11 Digital team in 2023, Euzarraga’s work reflects a commitment to reporting on diverse and impactful stories within the community.