Child left traumatized after being robbed by woman at NYC market, mom says

THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) – A 7-year-old boy was trying to feel a sense of independence and pay for fruit himself at a market in New York City last month when a woman snatched the money right out of his hands, his mother said.

The robbery happened at a market at 1356 Jerome Ave. in the Bronx around 11:40 a.m. on Sept. 24, according to the NYPD.

A woman can be seen on surveillance video grabbing cash from the child’s hands. When the child’s mother tried to intervene, the woman allegedly punched her and then fled, police said.

The mother said she was scared and tried to protect her two children, who both have special needs.

The mother said the incident has not only traumatized her son but it’s also left her shaken, especially with the woman still walking around.

The owner of the market said he has seen the woman before walking around the neighborhood asking people for money.

Police are still working to identify and arrest the woman.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org , downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.