Woman, 88, attacked by homeless man who steals her cane outside Union Square Target
Feb 20, 2026
An 88-year-old woman was attacked by a homeless man who shoved her to the pavement and stole her cane outside a Target in Union Square, cops said.
The victim was about to enter the big-box retailer on Union Square East at E. 14th St. when a man sitting on the pavement in front of the store suddenly
stood up and grabbed her arm around 3:15 p.m. Thursday, according to law enforcement.
A struggle ensued that ended when the man shoved the elderly woman to the ground and made off with her cane, fleeing north through Union Square Park, police said.
Medics brought the victim to Lenox Hill Hospital in stable condition.
Kurtis McVae, a 36-year-old homeless man, was arrested Friday and charged with robbery for the attack.
McVae has six prior arrests, with charges including petit larceny and possession of a controlled substance, police said.
With Rocco Parascandola
...read more
read less