Purse-snatching bully punches woman, 68, in face and down NYC church stairs — then takes her car as she lies in agony

The attacker slugged the 68-year-old woman in the face on the steps of the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, cops said.

A mugger brutally attacked a 68-year-old parishioner at a Queens church early Sunday. The incident occurred as the victim was approaching the entrance of the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Briarwood around 8:20 a.m. According to authorities and video footage obtained from the church, the attacker, who is much younger, punched the woman down the steps, stole her purse, and fled in her car while she lay injured on the ground.

The victim is a "regular parishioner" and "humble person" with a wonderful family, her pastor said. Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

The church's pastor, Father Konstantinos Kalogridis, expressed shock and dismay over the incident. He described the victim as a regular parishioner with a wonderful family and strong faith. Despite initially being in critical condition, her condition has since stabilized.

The brute stole the woman's purse holding $300, a cell phone, a credit card and car keys, authorities said.

The stolen purse contained $300, a cellphone, a credit card, and the victim's car keys. The suspect, believed to be between 18 and 25 years old, was captured on video running away with the victim's bag. He is described as having a dark complexion, standing around 5-foot-8 with a medium build, and was last seen wearing a red hoodie, black jacket, black pants, black face mask, and black Jordans with red trim.

Finally, the thief took off in her assailant's car, a 2006 Nissan Altima, cops said.

The pastor mentioned that the local police precinct has increased patrols in the area, especially during the ongoing Orthodox Lent season, to support the community and apprehend the attacker. The church community was shocked and saddened by the incident, as such incidents are rare in the neighborhood.