Crook steals elderly Brooklyn florist’s work van, drags victim while speeding off

Wes Parnell and John Annese, New York Daily News
·1 min read

A cruel crook stole a neighborhood florist’s work van as the victim was unloading it, dragging the elderly man down the block as he sped off, police said Sunday.

The 75-year-old victim has been selling flowers in East New York for about 30 years, cops said.

He was plying his trade on Pennsylvania Ave. at Linden Blvd. when the opportunistic robber hopped into the driver’s seat of the white Ford van about 4:25 p.m. Jan. 1, cops said.

The robber hit the gas while the victim was unloading the back, speeding north on Pennsylvania Ave., cops said. The victim held onto the back of the van and was dragged down the block.

After he lost his grip, medics took him to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was treated for pain and bruises.

Cops recovered the van on Jan. 12 but have not found the robber.

Police released a grainy surveillance image of the suspect Sunday. He is believed to be between 20 and 30.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.