NYC Thief Walks Into Acupuncture Spa, Punches Employee, Demands She Strip Naked

KIPS BAY, NY — In a brutal and bizarre midday robbery Wednesday at the Green Tea Acupuncture Spa at 240 28th St. near 2nd Avenue, just north of the Gramercy neighborhood, a female employee was beaten and asked to strip naked, according to the NYPD.

Police said an unidentified man — who they believe is pictured in the surveillance footage below — entered the spa around 12:50 p.m., while the spa was open, and demanded money from the 40-year-old employee.

The thief then began punching the woman in the face and body with a closed fist, police said, "causing the victim pain and abrasions to her face."

He then demanded that the woman remove her clothing, police said.

When she refused, the man allegedly grabbed $500 and fled the location.

The woman was then transported to a nearby hospital, where she was treated and released, according to the NYPD.

Police described the suspect as a black or Hispanic man standing 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds, with "blotchy skin, brown eyes and short curly black hair." He was last seen wearing "a dark blue jacket, blue jeans, black sneakers and a multi-colored back pack," police said.

Recognize him? Tip off the NYPD at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online or by texting "TIP577" to 274637 (CRIMES).

Images courtesy of the NYPD