Police Searching For Man They Say Beat Woman With Her Own Phone

The Nassau County Police Department is seeking the public's help to find a man who beat a woman with her own phone Wednesday morning in Inwood.

According to police, an 18-year-old woman was at a home on Doughty Boulevard in Inwood at 11 a.m. when she was approached by Jonathan Rivera, 19, of Beech 32nd Street, Far Rockaway. Rivera, who police say the woman knew, grabbed her purse out of her hands and began to choke, punch and kick her. Police say Rivera then grabbed her phone and hit her in the face with it.

Police say that Rivera then fled the scene on foot west on Redfern Avenue. His whereabouts are unknown. The woman was taken to a hospital and treated for bruises and swelling to her face, head and hip.

Police are asking anyone with information about Rivera's whereabouts to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Photo: Nassau County Police Department