Feb. 23, 2023 By Zachary Gewelb
The NYPD is searching for two thieves who assaulted an elderly employee at a jewelry store in the heart of Flushing on Wednesday before making off with approximately $500,000 in loot, according to authorities.
Police say that the two male suspects entered Diamonds by Direct, located at 133-42 39th Ave. in Flushing, within the confines of the 109th Precinct, around 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 22. Once inside, the suspects punched and kicked a 79-year-old female employee before smashing her in the head with a handgun.
The thieves then removed approximately $500,000 in jewelry before fleeing on foot southbound toward Prince Street, according to authorities.
The employee was takes to NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, where she was listed in stable condition, police said.
The NYPD released surveillance video and images of the thieves Wednesday night.
Both suspects were seen carrying weapons in the video. One suspect was wearing a blue jacket with his hood up and gloves on, while the other was wearing all black clothing, also wearing gloves with his hood up.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at nypdcrimestoppers.com or on Twitter @NYPDTips.
All calls are strictly confidential.