Queens man robbed and punched by teens is on life support

A man is on life support after he was sucker-punched by a teen as another stole his cellphone. 

Mohammad Alam, 72, was talking on his cell outside a store in Queens, New York, at around 6.30pm on September 28 when a teen ran by him and snatched the cell from his hand.

When Alam tried to chase the thief, another youngster standing nearby broadsided him across the side of his face.

The blow sent Alam head-first into the concrete sidewalk.

Footage shows the teen standing in front of the store before the attack

Two teens were caught on video before and after one of them snatched a man’s cellphone and the other, pictured above punched him across the face

After one of the teens stole Mohammad Alam's cellphone he ran away and was caught on video

After one of the teens stole Mohammad Alam’s cellphone he ran away and was caught on video

As Alam tried to chase the teen who stole his phone, another teen decked him in the head, knocking him onto the concrete sidewalk before running away

As Alam tried to chase the teen who stole his phone, another teen decked him in the head, knocking him onto the concrete sidewalk before running away

Witnesses tried to grab the other teen but he managed to break away. 

The attack in Queens, New York, was caught on surveillance video. Police released it to help find the suspects. 

Medics rushed Alam to a hospital where he remains in critical condition and is breathing with the help of a respirator. 

‘He’s still on life support,’ Alam’s cousin Faisel Hassan told New York Daily News. ‘The doctors will know more in five to seven days. It’s still very early to tell.’ 

Doctors told investigators that Alam suffered severe brain damage and that his outlook is grim.

Medics rushed Alam to a hospital where he remains in critical condition and is breathing with the help of a respirator

Medics rushed Alam to a hospital where he remains in critical condition and is breathing with the help of a respirator

A photo shows Alam lying in a hospital bed with tubes snaking up and down his arms.

On Monday, police identified and arrested Shyquan Kimble and Jaleel Steele, both 16.  

They were charged with robbery and assault and are being held without bail. 

If Alam dies, the criminal charges will likely be upgraded. 

Alam moved to the U.S. from Bangladesh about four years ago, Hassan said.

He didn’t work because he cared full time for his wife — a former surgeon who went blind following eye surgery 15 years ago.  

Alam, 72, pictured, moved to the U.S. from Bangladesh about four years ago, Hassan said. He didn't work because he cared full time for his blind wife

Alam, 72, pictured, moved to the U.S. from Bangladesh about four years ago, Hassan said. He didn’t work because he cared full time for his blind wife

The robbery occurred in Queens, New York, outside of the mobile phone store pictured above

The robbery occurred in Queens, New York, outside of the mobile phone store pictured above

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk