Crime & Safety

Mugger Targets Cell Phones in Northeast Queens

Local police are on the lookout for a tall, tattooed guy who demands his victims' cell phones at gunpoint.

"Can I see your cell phone?"

That’s what a guy who’s nabbed at least 11 cell phones in Queens has been asking victims before making away with them.

The 6-foot-4-inch guy’s story is that his sister lost her phone. He demands to see his mark’s, and if they say ‘no’, he brandishes a gun to get his victims to turn over their phones, according to police.

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“Remember, the guy is 6'4", and he’s basically accusing you when he says that,” said a law enforcement source, who added, “So the victims feel intimidated, and of course they’re going to produce the phones.”

The perpetrator, who is described as a black male in is 20s, about 185 pounds with tattoos on his neck and right arm, has a taste for Blackberries and iPhones.

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Four of the robberies took place within the confines of the — with one being right on 212th Street, and another at the intersection of 196th Street and Horace Harding Expwy.

Most of the robberies took place in the afternoon or early evening. Cops warn that he sports copper colored Nike sneakers.

If you have any information about these incidents, call Crime stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).  You can also submit tips by visiting the Crime stoppers Web site atWWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577.


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