Queens straphanger punched in face and robbed of his backpack

A subway rider was punched in the face in a failed attempt to stop a thief from stealing his backpack at a Queens subway station, police said Friday.

The backpack held the victim’s medication and some clothing.

Police said the robbery happened about 4:20 a.m. on Tuesday on the mezzanine level inside the 104th st. station at Liberty Ave. in Ozone Park.

The suspect walked up to the victim, stole his backpack and walked off.

The victim followed the thief but the suspect turned around and punched him in the face before getting away.

The victim was not hurt.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.