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PELHAM, N.Y. The Pelham Police Department is investigating a pair of armed robberies in January near the Metro-North train station that they believe could be connected and could have ties to cases in New Rochelle and Mamaroneck.
We believe it is the same person who has committed both crimes, said Det. John Hynes.
A suspect armed with a black, semi-automatic handgun approached a woman on Monterey Avenue about 8:20 p.m. Tuesday while she was walking home from the train station.
The victim told police that she heard footsteps behind her and when she turned around she said she saw a black male, between 5 feet, 10 inches tall and 6 feet tall, about 170 pounds, wearing a black ski mask, a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants.
The victim said the robber pointed the gun at her and ordered her to lie on the ground. He took two bags and her wedding ring.
Earlier this month, a man matching a similar description robbed a man walking home from the station.
Police said on Jan. 12, about 12:10 a.m., a man was confronted on First Street near Cliff Avenue. He reported hearing footsteps and turned to see a black male wearing a ski mask, black jacket, and black pants pointing a black, semi-automatic handgun at him.
The victim told police that the suspect was approximately 6 feet tall and weighed between 180 and 200 pounds. In this case the robber also made the victim lie on the sidewalk while he took his wallet and phone.
Pelham police are working with investigators in New Rochelle and Mamaroneck because of some similar cases in those municipalities. Hynes said there was a meeting Tuesday in Pelham on the cases.
Hynes said they have some information on the cases that has helped, but the police department is always looking for more tips.
We received approximately 20 calls today from concerned residents up there, Hynes said of Pelham Heights locals. Were working on it and were going to do everything we can to catch this guy.
The police department is taking measures they hope will nab the robber, including having detectives work through the night to try and solve the case.
Between our officers on the road, our detective division, theres definitely an increase in manpower, he said.
Hynes asked anyone in the area who saw somebody running around or maybe a suspicious car or knows any other information no matter how small to call the Pelham Police Department at (914) 738-2000.
For the future, he warned for people to be aware of their surroundings and to not call 911, but instead save the Pelham Police Department number in their cell phones. Hynes said to store the number as AAA in order to get to it quickly.
The Pelham Police Department website offers safety tips for pedestrians under Police Department Crime Prevention Tips on the right side of the website.
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