Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Police Release Photo Of Suspect In Home Invasions Targeting Elderly Women
By
Nathan Tempey
Published Apr 1, 2016
Modified Apr 25, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Nathan Tempey
Published Apr 1, 2016
Modified Apr 25, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Police have identified the man they suspect of a series of home invasion robberies targeting elderly women in Brooklyn and Queens. The NYPD says that Clarence Jones, 64, is behind five stick-ups and attacks that have victimized eight people, most of them female seniors.
The robberies date back to January 20th, and took place in Ridgewood, Queens, and Park Slope and Prospect Heights in Brooklyn.
In one typical instance, Jones allegedly followed a 91-year-old woman to her Park Slope brownstone on the afternoon of March 2nd, choked her, flashed a gun, and pushed her into the foyer, demanding cash. The victim, Elizabeth Gioino, told CBS2, "I said, 'Please leave me alone! I’m a sick woman! I’m old enough! Leave me alone!'"
Around that time, cops say a 50-year-old man encountered the pair, and the robber pointed his gun at him and took his money, too, making off with $370 altogether.
The attacks have variously involved beatings with a blunt object, and threats with a gun and a box cutter. In one, Jones allegedly tried to tie up a 71-year-old woman in her Park Slope home.
Police describe Jones as standing 5-foot-8 and weighing 202 pounds, with gray hair.
Police ask people with information about the crimes to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-8477, or for Spanish, (888) 577-4782. People can also submit tips at the Crime Stoppers website or by texting tips to 274637.
Tagged
clarence jones
hate crime
home invasions
mugging
nypd
park slope
prospect heights
ridgewood
robbery
senior citizens
Nathan Tempey
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Parents grumble as NYC schools chancellor dodges calls for NYC schools integration plan
Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones said she felt disappointed by the lack of details.
By
Jessica Gould
Published Oct 20, 2026 at 10:01 p.m. ET
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
The westbound upper level was closed Tuesday night as Port Authority police investigated the incident.
By
Charles Lane
News
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
The westbound upper level was closed Tuesday night as Port Authority police investigated the incident.
By
Charles Lane
16 arrested in New York auto insurance fraud crackdown involving nearly $500K
By
Giulia Heyward
Coney Island's small, 1890s lighthouse may be landmarked by the city
By
Catalina Gonella
New renderings are out for Queens' Metropolitan Park casino
By
Willow Higgins
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .