JAMAICA, Queens (PIX11) – A predator's attack on a parishioner at the top of a church staircase took a dramatic turn as she made her way into Sunday mass.
"I hope they find him and bring him to justice because that's a grievous evil sin that he did," said the pastor of St. Demitrios Greek Orthodox Church.
Surveillance footage captured the masked man sneaking up on the 68-year-old woman, striking her in the throat, causing her to crumble onto the concrete sidewalk below.
"How can someone do this to a woman that's going to church to pray? I can't even conceive this," the pastor said.
But the ordeal didn't end there. Police said after rendering her motionless, the thief rifled through her pockets, stealing cash, credit cards, and her keys.
Despite her injuries, the victim managed to get help. Meanwhile, the suspect took off with her 2006 Nissan Altima, which was recovered the next day.
"How can you go to church and something like that happens to you? I don't know what this country is coming to," said neighbor Sunita Sutran.
The mother of two suffered a cracked skull and bleeding on the brain, leaving neighbors hoping for her swift recovery.
"Her skull is cracked? Oh my God! She's a nice lady, beautiful lady, very easygoing," one neighbor said.
Rev. Konstantinos Kalogrides visited her in the intensive care unit, where they prayed together.
The Pastor said her prognosis appears promising, as indicated by a message from her son:
"She's a fighter and doing well. I hope she will continue."
Police sources reveal that after the victim's car was recovered, a fingerprint was lifted from it.
While no arrest has been made yet, authorities believe it's only a matter of time.
Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
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