Crime & Safety
Shoplifter Sucker Punches Rite Aid Employee In Astoria: NYPD
The would-be thief punched the employee in the face, dropped the stolen goods and ran after he was confronted shoplifting, cops said.
ASTORIA, QUEENS -- A would-be shoplifter swung his sticky fingers into the face of an Astoria Rite Aid employee who noticed him trying to sneak stolen goods out of the drugstore, police said Wednesday.
The man attempted to leave the Rite Aid at 30th Avenue and 33rd Street without paying for his goods on Aug. 14 at about 10:30 a.m., authorities said.
When an employee tried to stop him, he punched the worker in the face before dropping the items and sprinting from the store, police said.
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The employee suffered a bruising and swelling from the attack.
An NYPD spokeswoman told Patch it was unclear what the man was trying to steal.
Find out what's happening in Astoria-Long Island Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Police estimated the suspect to be between 30 and 40 years old. He was last seen wearing all dark clothing.
Anyone with information about the robbery attempt is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
Lead photos via NYPD
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