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Cops Arrest Suspect For Allegedly Beating 92-Year-Old And Stealing His Bible


By

Ben Yakas

Published Jun 15, 2013

Modified Jun 15, 2013


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By

Ben Yakas

Published Jun 15, 2013

Modified Jun 15, 2013


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Police have arrested a suspect for beating a 92-year-old man and stealing his Bible in Manhattan this week. Francisco Flores, 40, has been arrested for allegedly following Ricardo Velez into his Chelsea apartment on Monday night, knocking him to the ground, and stealing his Bible, bag, and bifocals. Velez, who suffered a broken hip during the assault, was extremely shaken up by the incident: “I used to think it’s a beautiful life, but everything comes to an end. And that’s what the other day was,” he told the News.

“I used to go here or there, shopping, everywhere,” Velez added. “I have a bad habit: I talk to everyone. In my neighborhood, I love to walk around. Now I don’t know if I’ll be able to move around like that again.” Velez, who is a devout Jehovah’s Witness, was particular upset he lost his Bible: “The Bible was extremely important,” he said. “It was leather-bound and well-printed. I loved that Bible.”

Flores, who lives near the victim on 16th Street, was charged with second-degree robbery and criminal possession of stolen property.

Tagged

attack

bible

Chelsea

Francisco Flores

manhattan

robbery


Ben Yakas

Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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