An 85-year-old New York City woman was viciously beaten in an elevator — and the attack was caught on camera.
The mugger jumped Lillian France, grabbed her by the throat and lifted her off the ground before running off with her purse and cane, according to FOX 5 News in New York.
The footage was released this week. Police hope to catch the man who stalked the elderly lady and pounced on her. They're investigating whether he is the same suspect wanted in a series of Brooklyn robberies.
"It's so senseless. There was absolutely no reason to assault her," her niece Claire France told FOX 5 News.
She said her aunt was surprising her Thursday evening with a visit at her Crown Heights, Brooklyn, apartment when the beating happened, according to FOX 5.
The security guard watched the whole ordeal on surveillance video and initially thought the two were kissing, a neighbor said. Then he realized that he was witnessing an attack — and called 911.
Lillian France couldn't breathe or swallow and was spitting up blood after the attack, her niece said. She also has bruises on her neck, and is still in the hospital recovering. A $12,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the attacker.
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