New York, US: An 87-year-old woman was robbed at gunpoint in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village late Wednesday evening, prompting a citywide search for the suspect, police said.
The Shocking Encounter
According to the New York Police Department, the elderly victim was walking along West 10th Street near Seventh Avenue South around 8:30 p.m. when the attacker approached her from behind. The suspect allegedly brandished a handgun and demanded her purse, warning her not to scream or resist.
Authorities said the woman complied, handing over her handbag containing cash, identification cards, and personal belongings. The suspect then fled on foot toward Greenwich Avenue, disappearing into nearby side streets before officers arrived.
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Victim Shaken but Physically Unharmed
Emergency responders were called to the scene shortly after the robbery. While the victim did not sustain physical injuries, she was described as visibly shaken and distressed by the encounter. She was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and later released to her family members.
Detectives say she has been cooperating fully with the investigation and provided as much detail as possible about the suspect’s appearance and mannerisms, though the attacker had partially concealed his face with a dark mask.
Police Investigation Underway
The NYPD’s 6th Precinct and the Major Crimes Unit have taken charge of the investigation. Surveillance footage from surrounding businesses and residential buildings is being reviewed in hopes of identifying the suspect’s movements before and after the robbery.
Investigators believe the assailant may have been waiting in the area, targeting vulnerable pedestrians during quieter hours of the evening. Officers have since increased patrols around Greenwich Village, one of Manhattan’s busiest yet most residential neighborhoods, known for its mix of students, seniors, and longtime city residents.
“As of this morning, no arrests have been made,” a police spokesperson said. “We are pursuing multiple leads and urge anyone with relevant footage or information to come forward immediately.”
Community Reaction
Residents in the typically safe and bustling Village expressed alarm following the incident. Many have called for stronger police visibility, especially along dimly lit corridors and quieter blocks at night. Local community board members have also urged the installation of additional security cameras and better lighting.
“This is heart-wrenching,” said one resident who lives two blocks from the crime scene. “You don’t expect something like this to happen here, especially to someone in her eighties just walking home.”
Some residents have described an uptick in thefts and robberies in recent months, though citywide data still shows an overall decline in violent crime compared to last year. The attack, however, has rekindled concerns about the safety of elderly residents in urban neighborhoods.
Safety Measures for Seniors
In response to the robbery, city officials reiterated advice for seniors walking alone, particularly in the evening. Recommendations include staying on well-lit streets, avoiding carrying large sums of cash, and traveling with a companion whenever possible.
Community watch volunteers have also pledged to increase nighttime presence in areas with high senior populations. The Greenwich Village Neighborhood Association announced plans to coordinate with local precincts on safety workshops and alert systems for vulnerable residents.
A City on Alert
This latest attack underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to balance routine policing with an emphasis on community trust. Officials say the NYPD will continue targeting areas where isolated street crimes occur and emphasize partnership between officers and residents to reduce such incidents.
Detectives remain hopeful that nearby surveillance video could yield a clear image of the suspect in the coming days. The department released a brief description late Thursday morning, identifying the man as approximately six feet tall, medium build, wearing a dark hoodie, jeans, and carrying what appeared to be a small black handgun.
Police are urging anyone who may have been in the area between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Wednesday to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline. Calls can be made anonymously.
Looking Ahead
While Greenwich Village remains one of Manhattan’s most vibrant neighborhoods, this unsettling crime has left locals seeking reassurance. For now, authorities are intensifying efforts to locate the armed robber and restore a sense of safety for those who call the area home.
As investigators piece together what happened on that quiet October night, one thing remains clear—the resilience of New Yorkers continues to shine even in moments of fear and uncertainty.
