Aug 20, 2009 7:51 pm US/Eastern
NYC Subway Robber Résumé: 14 Victims, No Fear
For Last 8 Months, Brazen Attacker Has Struck At Will In 4 Different Boroughs, Usually Targeting The Preoccupied
Self-Defense Expert: Take Off The Headphones And Pay Attention
By JOSH LANDIS, CBS 2 HD News
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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This is the man who police believe is responsible for 14 robberies on NYC subways since the beginning of 2009.
CBS
There's a one-man crime spree going on in New York's subway system.
Police said an armed robber has held up 14 people since the beginning of the year -- and August has been one of his busiest months.
Subway trains have become crime scenes and getaway cars for a robber on the run.
Police said the suspect -- a black man in his 20s -- held up his latest victim on the "F" train in Jamaica, Queens.
"That's very scary. So, in broad daylight? Or at night?" asked Nancy Zhang of Manhattan.
Answer: In broad daylight, on eight different lines, in four different boroughs. Most of his 14 victims were women. Riders like Lisa Dempsey of Manhattan are on alert.
"I always watch my bag. I always have everything in my hands. I always know what I'm doing. I'm never in my own world," Dempsey said.
But in this age of iPods and mp3 players, cell phones and BlackBerrys, passengers admit they get distracted.
"No, I'm not. You saw how you just scared me?" said Meryery Diaz of the Bronx, when asked if despite his use of headphones and playing around with gadgets if he has any idea about his surroundings.
A New York City subway car, even during rush hour, can actually be quite quiet. People are reading books, listening to music on headphones, lost in concentration. Experts said that sense of mental isolation actually can put people in danger.
Self-defense expert Gabrielle Rubin said to not only to turn the music off, but to put away the headphones.
"Even if people have them in their ears and they're not on, to a person with bad intentions they might think you won't be able to hear them and it can still make you a target," Rubin said.
"I don't think it affects me. I'm pretty used to it. I wear headphones pretty much everywhere," said Chris Harnett of Long Island.
Rubin warned overconfidence is dangerous, and said subway riders would be better off listening to warnings instead of their headphones.
There is a reward, up to $2,000, for any information leading to an arrest. Police are asking anyone with information to call CrimeStoppers.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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