Man places victims in chokehold in Queens robbery spree

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Police released photos on Thursday of a man they are looking to identify accused of placing victims in a chokehold during a string of robberies that occurred in Jackson Heights.

The first incident happened at approximately 3 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, when a 27-year-old man was walking in front of 35-15 78th St., the NYPD said.

The victim was approached the suspect who then put him into a chokehold and forcibly took his jewelry before fleeing in an unknown direction.

The second incident happened at about 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, cops said. A 57-year-old man was walking in front of 35-65 78th St. when he was approached by the suspect who put him into a chokehold and forcibly took his wallet.

The suspect then fled southbound on 86th Street on a bicycle.

The following day, at approximately 3:30 a.m., a 63-year-old man was approached by the suspect while walking in the vicinity of 34th Avenue and 75th Street.

According to officials, the suspect pushed the victim to the ground and forcibly stole his backpack and cellphone then fled on foot in an unknown direction.

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