‘New York panhandler goes on $750 shopping spree after stealing subway rider’s wallet’
A panhandler in New York City who allegedly stole a subway rider’s wallet went on a $750 shopping spree with the victim’s credit cards.
The 37-year-old male victim pulled his wallet out near a turnstile at the 42nd Street-Bryant Park subway station when the panhandler approached him and begged him for a dollar, according to police.
At that moment last Wednesday, the suspect reportedly swiped the rider’s wallet, hopped the turnstile and fled.
The victim chased the panhandler, who turned and punched him several times in the face, cops said.
After making his escape on a southbound D train, the suspect began his shopping spree.
An hour after the incident, the suspect was recorded on surveillance cameras at a Journey’s shop near Union Square in Manhattan purchasing $556 worth of shoes and clothing using credit cards from the victim’s wallet.
The next day, the suspect was captured on camera buying $158 worth of items from a Footlocker store on 34th Street.
Meanwhile, the victim suffered a nose laceration and was taken by emergency responders to Bellevue Hospital. Besides credit cards, his wallet contained his ID as well as $81.
As of Tuesday, the suspect remained at large, according to the New York Post.
The New York Police Department released surveillance footage of the suspect. Images show the suspect wearing a red hat and black and gray long sleeve shirts.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police department.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.