Elderly pair in their 80s outsmart swindlers attempting to snatch Rolex: 'I'll show you some spirit'

In a remarkable turn of events, an 87-year-old man named Larry Schwartz, along with his wife Joanna Cuccia who is also pushing 90, successfully prevented a robbery attempt at a senior centre in the Gramercy Park neighbourhood.

The couple was approached by two con artists who pretended to need directions to Walmart, a store that does not exist in Manhattan. Unbeknownst to them, the con artists had more sinister intentions. One of the con artists, a woman, attempted to steal Larry's gold Rolex watch.

Larry, who has a history of lifting, boxing, and skydiving, was not about to let his hard-earned possessions be taken easily. He physically confronted the woman, causing her to hit her face and body against something. The woman's accomplice, sitting in an SUV at the curb, drove off after the confrontation, leaving the scene.

Despite the initial confusion, it became clear that Larry's actions during the confrontation were not about the watch anymore, but about his attitude towards the woman. Joanna claimed that the accomplice beckoned to her and kissed her hands during the encounter, adding a strange and unsettling element to the incident.

Larry kept the knockoff Rolex he was wearing and his real Rolex, which was damaged in the scuffle, is now in the shop. The incident has left the couple shaken but unharmed, and they are grateful for the quick thinking and strength of Larry in the face of danger.

Police are currently investigating the incident, with a focus on whether it is part of a larger, citywide robbery pattern. No specific information about the would-be robbers was provided beyond their actions during the incident.

As the investigation continues, the community is left to wonder about the motives of these con artists and the danger they pose to vulnerable members of society. The incident serves as a reminder to be vigilant and to never underestimate the resilience of the elderly.