Lower Manhattan mugging suspect arrested

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Police have arrested the man they say is responsible for at least 16 muggings in the East Village and on the Lower East Side.

Dion Whitehead was arrested Thursday night on four counts of robbery.

Police say the muggings began back in May, with Whitehead going after a new victim every few days.

He has prior arrests for attempted murder and drug charges.

The first incident happened on May 5 inside the elevator of a Avenue C building just before 7:30 p.m. The man approached a 59-year-old woman, simulated a firearm and demanded the woman's chain.

Police say he most recently robbed a 56-year-old man of his wallet on Roosevelt Drive at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, July 20.

In each case, the suspect approached victims in various locations, displayed or simulated a weapon (firearm or knife), threatened the victims and demanded personal property. The victims were not injured as a result of the robberies.

All the incidents happened late at night and also included thefts of cell phones and other electronics.

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new york city, lower east side, lower manhattan, east village, robbery, burglary, manhattan, mugging, new york news

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