Coronavirus-Masked Man Robs Cell Phone Store, Police Say

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — A man suspected of robbing a Prospect Heights cell phone store didn't wear a mask to conceal his identity from police, but for protection against another foe — the coronavirus.

That's apparent in video footage from the Tuesday assault and robbery when the suspect lowers his now-mandatory face covering to argue with a Cell Phone Geek employee.

The man got into a dispute with a male employee, 32, inside the store at Washington Avenue and Lincoln Place, police said. The tiff escalated to the point the man punched the employee in the chest and grabbed two cell phones before running off, authorities said.

The fracas took place at about 1 p.m.

People with information are asked to call NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).