Cops: Woman robbed outside Valley Stream bank

A 56-year-old woman suffered scratches and scrapes when she was robbed in a bank parking lot late Monday afternoon in Valley Stream, police said.

The robber made off with her pocketbook, cash, credit cards and an iPhone.

The robbery took place in the lot of the Chase Bank on West Merrick Road at 5:33 p.m., police said. The woman, whose identity was not released because she is a victim, was approached from behind and thrown to the ground by the robber, who police said was likely in his late teens.

The woman suffered scratches on her fingers and wrist, police said, but refused medical treatment at the scene.

The robber, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and black sweatpants, ran away -- fleeing north on South Fletcher Avenue then down State Street, police said.

Police are asking anyone with information about the robbery to call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.