Robber Targets ATM Users At UES Chase Branches, Police Say

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — A mugger has robbed two people using ATMs at Upper East Side Chase bank branches in recent weeks, police said.

The first robbery occurred inside the vestibule of the Chase branch on Third Avenue and East 90th Street on the night of Friday, Sept. 20, police said. The robber approached a 49-year-old woman in the bank and attempted to steal her bag, said police.

When the woman refused to let go of the bag, the robber dragged her to the ground, police said. The woman suffered cuts to her knee and hands, but was able to hold on to her property before the robber was forced to flee the location, police said.

Days later, on Oct. 1, the robber struck again. This time the robbery occurred at the Chase bank on York Avenue between East 79th and 80th streets, police said. The robber approached an 85 year-old man who was using the ATM at the branch and pushed the man to the floor as he was withdrawing his money, police said. The robber grabbed the cash and fled the bank with about $2,600, said police.

Police described the suspect as tall and skinny with long blonde hair that may be a wig. Photos of the suspect taken by security cameras at the bank branch were released by police.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).