Recently, a disturbing video surfaced showing a heartless mugger attacking and robbing an elderly woman outside a church in Queens, New York. The incident occurred on Sunday morning, where the 68-year-old victim was walking towards the entrance of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. According to the church’s pastor, Father Konstantinos Kalogridis, the victim was ambushed from behind by a significantly younger assailant.
The mugger launched a brutal punch at the woman’s face, causing her to fall down the steps leading to the church entrance. After she hit the ground, the attacker grabbed her purse and fled the scene in her car, which was parked nearby. The purse contained $300, a cellphone, a credit card, and car keys. The victim was left in excruciating pain, lying on the ground while the thief made his escape. Kalogridis, who saw the footage of the incident, expressed his shock and concern at the brutal attack on a parishioner of the church.
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was in critical condition immediately after the attack, but her health has since stabilized. Kalogridis visited her and offered her blessings and communion, praying for her full recovery. He emphasized the severity of the incident, stating that such an act could occur on the steps of the church, a place of worship. He hopes that the perpetrator will be caught and brought to justice.
The NYPD has released surveillance footage of the suspect and a still image to the public, seeking their assistance in identifying the assailant. The police believe the suspect is a young man between the ages of 18 and 25. As the search for the criminal continues, the authorities have increased patrols around the church, especially during the Orthodox Lent season, to ensure the safety of churchgoers.
The video of the attack has sparked widespread outrage and concern in the community, with many expressing their shock and disbelief at such a heinous act. The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of the elderly to such violent crimes and the importance of staying vigilant and alert at all times.
The mugging outside the church is a grim reminder of the increasing crime rate in New York City, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Elderly citizens, who are already dealing with the challenges of a global health crisis and aging, should not have to fear for their safety while going about their daily activities.
Purse-snatching bully punches woman, 68, in face and down NYC church stairs — then takes her car while as she lies in agony https://t.co/nELJB1RXME pic.twitter.com/YFEIHnYtzh
— New York Post (@nypost) April 8, 2024
The police urge the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrator. They are determined to bring the mugger to justice and ensure that such a heinous act does not happen again. In the meantime, the community is rallying around the victim, offering their support and well wishes for her speedy recovery.