iThief Preying on Local Subway Commuters

Police in Brooklyn and Queens are searching for a suspect wanted in as many as five phone and iPad snatchings in the last month.

Three of the five incidents have occurred on trains in the 112 Precinct in Forest Hills. 

In the first incident, which occurred Nov. 16, the suspect grabbed an iPad from a commuter as the train doors were opening on an E train at 75th Avenue.

Days later, on Nov. 21, the same suspect allegedly grabbed an iPhone from a 19-year-old woman on an E train at the 71st-Continental Ave. subway station.

After committing two similar thefts in Brooklyn and Woodside, the suspected subway thief came back to Forest Hills to perpetrate what has been his most violent incident to date. 

On Dec. 11, he grabbed a 16-year-old girl and punched her in the face on the steps of the 67th Avenue station in Forest Hills. He then stole her cell phone and ran for the exit. 

The suspect is between 25- and 30-years-old, 6'1" and between 180-190 pounds. Police have released two surveillance photos, attached at right. 

If anyone has any information, they are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips at the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.