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Police are on the hunt for a perp who was caught on camera tossing an elderly man to the ground outside an Astoria convenience store so he could steal his cash, authorities said.

The robbery occurred while the 78-year-old victim was buying cigarettes from the front window of the store on 31st Street near Ditmars Boulevard at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

The suspect threw the man to the ground, injuring the back of his head, before grabbing more than $400 from him, police said.

EMS took the victim to Elmhurst Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.



Police describe the suspect as a white man, about 35 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall and 200 pounds, with a light complexion and brown eyes. He was wearing a black jacket with white stripes on the sleeves, a white hooded jacket, blue jeans and tan boots.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or can text their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

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