Teen Charged in Violent Church Attack and Robbery in Queens: NYPD Charges Suspect with Multiple Offenses

Queens, New York- A teenager in Queens has been charged with a violent attack on a 68-year-old woman outside a church, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. The incident, which occurred as the woman was on her way to church, resulted in the suspect pushing her down a flight of stairs and stealing her belongings.

The 16-year-old suspect, whose identity is being withheld due to his age, was also linked to another robbery that took place a few days prior to the church incident. Katz described the robbery as vicious, stating that the defendant not only pushed the elderly woman down the stairs but also took her purse and fled in her car, leaving her injured.

The victim, who suffered critical injuries from the fall, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect was apprehended near his residence by law enforcement officials. Surveillance footage captured the attack, showing the teen assaulting the victim and fleeing the scene in her vehicle.

In addition to the church robbery, the teenager was accused of another robbery on April 4th, where he allegedly followed a woman into an elevator, demanded money and car keys, and fled the scene in her vehicle. This second incident raised concerns about the suspect’s criminal activities and the safety of the community.

The suspect faces a multitude of charges related to both robberies, including assault, robbery, grand larceny, and possession of stolen property. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison for his actions. The case highlights the need for increased security measures and awareness to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Overall, the incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of public safety and the efforts needed to protect vulnerable individuals from harm in the community. Authorities are working diligently to ensure justice is served and to prevent further criminal activities by the suspect.