Suspect Who Choked Elderly Woman Strikes Again In Park Slope And Queens, Cops Say
Cops says the suspect already wanted for multiple violent incidents involving elderly women in Park Slope has now been connected to another neighborhood incident as well as one that took place in the Ridgewood section of Queens.
On Saturday, March 19, 2016, at approximately 5:15pm in the vicinity of Prospect Place and Carlton Avenue, an unidentified male followed a 43-year-old male into his residence and then demanded money, police say.
The suspect then observed an 81-year-old female, approached her with both a handgun and boxcutter, and demanded money. The suspect fled on foot with approximately $330. There were no injuries as a result of this incident.
The suspect is identified as a male, black, 40-60 years old, 5’10”, and last seen wearing a black jacket.
On Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at approximately 5:00pm in the vicinity of Myrtle Avenue and Weirfield Street (in Ridgewood, Queens), an unidentified male followed a 76-year-old female into his residence, police say.
As the victim reached the door, the suspect put his hands over her mouth and pushed her inside. He demanded money at knife point and then pointed a firearm at an 87-year-old male demanding more money. The suspect fled with approximately $800.
Police believe the suspect in both incidents is connected to two other recent incidents involving elderly woman.
On Thursday, February 11, 2016 at approximately 2:30pm, the suspect entered the home of a 71-year-old woman. The suspect struck the victim in the head with a handgun and then demanded money. That incident took place in the vicinity of 6th Avenue and Prospect Place, cops say.
On Wednesday March 2, 2016, at approximately 1:00pm, the suspect approached 91-year-old Elizabeth Gioino from behind as she entered 551 9th Street (between 8th Avenue and Prospect Park West). The suspect then placed her in a chokehold and displayed a handgun, according to the police.
Cops recently released additional video in Giono’s choking incident.
Video via NYPD
On March 4, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and other community leaders appealed to the community-at-large to help find the man responsible.
“[This is] a 250-pound brut who used physical force and a gun that sends a terrible, chilling message in a community which isn’t known for violent crimes of this magnitude,“ Adams said.
The police have offered a $2,500 reward for information about the attacker, which Adams has added an additional $1,000 from his personal account. Adams also wrote a personal check for $175 that will go directly to Gioino to cover what was taken from her in the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or by texting your tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Police say all calls are confidential.