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A gutsy Brooklyn laundromat worker was repeatedly struck with a hammer while trying to stop a would-be thief from swiping laundry supplies, police said Tuesday.
The brutal attack happened inside Aqua Wash Laundromat on E. 98 St. near Livonia Ave. in Brownsville about 4:55 a.m. on Aug. 4, police said.
Video released by police shows the attacker walking slowly past the laundromat’s counter while checking out its washing supplies. He then returned with a bag and a hammer from the laundromat and walked behind the counter to grab several bottles of what appears to be bleach, the video shows.
A 70-year-old worker confronts the man and the pair tussle. During the fight, the assailant clobbers the victim with the hammer at least four times as the fearless employee tries to stop the thief, the video shows. The attacker finally drops the bottles, breaks free and runs off.
Medics treated the victim at the scene for cuts to his head, cops said.
Police were searching for the assailant, who was last seen wearing a green shirt, red pants and a gold Yankee’s cap.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.