By Sarina Trangle
Police arrested a Brooklyn man Monday in connection with a trio of robberies committed by a hammer-wielding man that started in Briarwood, the NYPD said.
The Police Department said Anthony Coward, 28, of Brooklyn, was arrested and charged with two counts of robbery.
The NYPD said Coward allegedly struck first March 5 when he sneaked up behind a 26-year-old woman on Pershing Crescent in Briarwood. Police said he is suspected of hitting her in the head with a silver hammer and running off with her handbag.
The NYPD said the woman was brought to Jamaica Hospital in stable condition.
Police allege Coward next attacked a 23-year-old man in the Rockaway Avenue subway station in Brooklyn May 4. Officers said he is accused of striking the victim in the head and body with a hammer and then stealing his wallet.
The 23-year-old was treated and released from Brookdale Hospital, according to the NYPD.
Police believe Coward returned to the Rockaway Avenue station May 7, when he is charged with coming up behind a 32-year-old man buying a MetroCard, hitting him in the head with a hammer and demanding money. Authorities said the victim handed over cash and the suspect ran off.
The victim was treated at Brookdale Hospital for a head injury and has since been released, according to police.
