Hoboken Heroes Help Foil Robbery, Woman Punched; Cops Seek Suspects

HOBOKEN, NJ — A pair of local heroes helped to foil a recent robbery attempt in Hoboken during which two men punched a woman in the face and tried to steal her purse, police say.

On Tuesday, Hoboken police announced that officers are searching for two men who allegedly tried to rob a woman as she walked home near 14th and Clinton Street on April 9, authorities said.

Hoboken police provided the following statement about the incident:

“During the early morning hours of Sunday, April 9, the victim was walking home when she noticed two males walking behind her appearing to be following her. As she was getting closer to her residence, she began to run noticing the males running behind her. The victim, fearing for her safety, immediately entered her building. One of the males was able to gain entry into the building and allowed the second male to enter. Once inside, one of the males attempted to take her purse. He then struck her in the face with a closed fist as he struggled with the victim for her purse. After a brief struggle, they were able to get the victim’s iPhone and purse.”

Police continued:

“As the incident was taking place, two witnesses, who observed what was happening, intervened in assisting the victim. They were able to retrieve the purse back from the males prior to them fleeing the area. The victim suffered bruising from being struck.”

Police said that witnesses described the first suspect as a black male in his mid-20s, about 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet, with a dark skin complexion and a heavyset body frame, and wearing a blue Polo short-sleeve shirt.

Witnesses described the second suspect as a black male in his mid-20s with a thin build and a dark skin complexion, and wearing a white jacket and a baseball-style cap.

Hoboken police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident. Anyone with information can call or email Det. Edward Lepre at lepree@hobokenpd.org, or 201-420-2110 or 201-420-2109.

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Photo: Hoboken Police Department