NEW YORK, NY – A 56-year-old rideshare driver was choked with a shoelace and robbed while operating a van, leading to a multi-vehicle crash on Skillman Avenue.
On Friday, September 8, at approximately 4:36 am, the victim was driving a white 2016 Ford Van near Skillman Avenue and Kingsland Avenue.
An unknown male passenger choked him with a shoelace while the vehicle was in motion. The assailant took control of the van, crashing it into multiple vehicles before finally hitting a fence at 300 Skillman Avenue.
The individual fled on foot heading southbound on Kingsland Avenue.
The victim was transported to NYC Health and Hospitals/Woodhull by EMS and is in stable condition.
The suspect is described as a male approximately 6′ tall, around 50 years old, with a medium complexion and medium build. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and black sweatpants.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or online at the Crime Stoppers website. Tips can also be submitted via Twitter @NYPDTips.