A persistent robber followed an 88-year-old casino winner for 10 miles to his home and stole his prize winnings before knocking him unconscious, the Daily News reported on Sunday.
On Halloween night, Gregory Hillman, 57, allegedly spotted the Queens man counting his cash at the Resorts World Casino in South Ozone Park. This may have sparked his intention to rob him.
Hillman was caught on security video footage following the elderly man out of the bathroom and eventually onto a bus outside of the casino. When the man got off the bus, Hillman then followed him onto the E train from Jamaica station, getting off in Jackson Heights.
Hillman followed closely behind the man when he entered a supermarket near the subway station, according to video surveillance. He remained close to him onto the Q47 bus bound for East Elmhurst, but waited to attack until the victim was outside his apartment building, Newsday reported. The trip took a total of 90 minutes and spanned 10 miles.
Hillman then grabbed the man, and pushed him to the pavement after snatching his wallet from his pockets. The elderly man was knocked unconscious when he hit the ground, according to authorities. Hillman ran off with the $1,010 in casino winnings and a credit card.
By retracing Hillman's steps in surveillance footage, a match was made to a card he used at the casino, giving away his identity.
If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
The man sought treatment at a Queens hospital for the fall on his head.
