In a shocking incident that has left the community of Jamaica, Queens, NY in disbelief and shock, a 68-year-old woman was violently attacked and robbed on Sunday morning.
The incident, which took place outside Saint Demetrios Church, was captured on the church’s security camera.
The video shows the suspect, a man, following the victim up a flight of church steps and then violently pushing her from behind. The woman, who has been identified as a parishioner of the church, fell all the way to the ground and sustained critical injuries. The suspect then proceeded to rob her of her purse, which contained $300, credit cards, a cellphone, and car keys.
The victim was rushed to a local hospital, where she is currently in critical condition. The incident has left the congregation of the church in shock and disbelief.
Father Konstantinos Kalogridis, the church’s priest, described the victim as a “humble and nice woman” who is devoted to her faith and family. He also shared that he visited her in the hospital, and she was conscious and alert.
“She’s a very humble, nice woman, has her faith, family. Hoping and praying she’ll recover fully from this,” Father Konstantinos Kalogridis said. “I visited her last night in the hospital. She was conscious, alert. I gave her a blessing, gave her Holy Communion. She did her cross. She was able to say, Thank you, I understand.'”
NEW: Thug pushes 68-year-old woman down the stairs in front of a church and then steals her purse and car in Queens.
There is a special place in h*ll for this thug.
The incident happened at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church on 152nd Street.
The woman was rushed to the… pic.twitter.com/2lzcjgnIRd
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 9, 2024
The suspect not only committed a heinous act of violence but also stole the victim’s 2006 Nissan Altima, fleeing the scene. The police are currently on the lookout for the suspect and have released the security footage to the public in hopes of identifying him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family, and we hope for her speedy recovery. We must stand against the onslaught of violence and keep our neighborhoods safe.