UWS Straphanger Hit With Cane, Knocked Down Stairs By Subway Thief: PD

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — A straphanger who let a stranger use his cellphone received as thanks a smack in the face with a cane and a shove down a flight of stairs, according to the NYPD.

The 45-year-old man was on the northbound B/C platform at West 110th Street and Central Park West on Jan. 23 about 10 p.m, when the stranger asked to use his cellphone, police said.

He handed over the cellphone, but then the man swung a cane and struck him in the face, drawing blood, police said.

The robber then ran toward the station exit, police said.

The 45-year-old man chased after the bandit, but the robber spun around and kicked him down the stairs, before running away, police said.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).