16-year-old mugger arrested for shoving parishioner, 68, down steps of Queens church (video of the attack)

A teenage suspect has been charged in connection with a brutal attack and robbery of a woman walking to Sunday Mass in Queens, as reported by the police.

The disturbing incident occurred on April 7 and was captured on security camera footage. The victim, identified by her family as Irene Tahliambouris, was just steps away from the front door of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Briarwood when the suspect, who had been following her, violently threw her from the top step.

The video showed the 68-year-old victim landing on her back, hitting her head on the concrete sidewalk. While she lay motionless, the attacker rifled through her pockets, stole her purse, fled the scene, and then proceeded to steal her car.

Detectives conducted extensive investigations in the area of 152nd Street and 84th Road. Four days after the attack, a 16-year-old suspect was apprehended and charged with assault, robbery, grand larceny, and possession of stolen property. Due to the suspect's age, their identity was not disclosed.

Reacting to the incident, Rev. Konstantinos Kalogridis of St. Demetrios expressed shock and disbelief, describing the act as "horrible" and "pure evil." The victim, assisted by parishioners and promptly taken to the hospital, suffered a skull fracture and a black eye, with her condition being described as critical yet hopeful.

Rev. Kalogridis visited Tahliambouris in the hospital, remarking on her resilience and the miraculous nature of her survival.

The family, in a statement, condemned the high rates of criminal recidivism dictated by state and city laws, while also commending law enforcement for their efforts in pursuing justice for the victim. They expressed trust in the District Attorney and the NYPD to take necessary actions to ensure community safety and bring the perpetrator to justice.