Elderly Man Assaulted on Forest Hills Street; Police Still Hunting Suspect

Last Thursday afternoon, September 3, an unsettling scene unfolded just off 66th Avenue and 108th Street in Forest Hills. Around 4:30 p.m., a man in his early 30s lunged at a 92‑year‑old passerby, grabbing him from behind and shoving him hard enough to send him sprawling onto the sidewalk.

The attacker, cloaked head‑to‑toe in black—black shirt, black pants, black sneakers and a black du‑rag—quickly snatched the senior’s cellphone before disappearing into the neighborhood. The elderly victim sustained an injury to his left arm but, oddly enough, declined medical attention on the spot.

Police officers arrived shortly after the incident, taking statements and canvassing the area for witnesses. While the assault was brief, it left a lingering sense of unease among local residents who said they hadn’t seen anything like it before.

Authorities have released a description of the suspect: approximately 30 years old, about 6 feet tall, weighing around 200 pounds, dressed entirely in black. The NYPD is urging anyone who may have seen the suspect or who has any information—no matter how small—to step forward.

If you have tips, you can call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1‑800‑577‑TIPS (8477). Spanish‑speakers can dial 1‑888‑57‑PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or via the NYPD’s official X account @NYPDTips.

The investigation remains active, and officers say they’ll keep the community updated as new details emerge. In the meantime, neighbors are being advised to stay alert, travel in groups when possible, and report any suspicious activity immediately.