The Berkeley Police Department is asking the community for help to find a man who robbed an elderly shopper of his brand new iPhone on Fourth Street the day after Christmas.
According to a statement released by police Thursday, an 83-year-old man was walking with a family member on Fourth near Hearst Avenue shortly after 1 p.m. Dec. 26 when the strong-arm robbery took place.
“They had just left the Apple store after purchasing a new iPhone,” police said in the statement. “The suspect followed the victim, and then forcibly took the iPhone … injuring him in the process.”
Police released a video of the robbery, and shared it with the media Thursday. It appears below.
Police said the robber appeared to be a black man in his 30s with short hair and an average build. He was wearing a red zip-up Gap hooded sweatshirt and light blue jeans.
The suspect fled the area in a silver Audi with paper plates.
Police ask anyone who may recognize the man, or has information regarding the incident, to call the Robbery Detail at 510-981-5742, or the Berkeley Police non-emergency line at 510-981-5900.
Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call Bay Area Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
Read more about robberies in Berkeley in past Berkeleyside coverage.
Related:
After ordering pizza with stolen card, teen charged with 4 armed robberies in Berkeley (01.26.15)
More details emerge on UCPD carjacking, robbery arrests (12.22.14)
Authorities: Berkeley Apple store thief strikes again (06.10.14)
Car used for smash-and-grab at Apple store in Berkeley (05.09.14)
Teen tries to buy 14 iPhones, 2 laptops with fake credit card at Apple store (03.18.14)
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