NEW YORK, NY — A string of violent and non-violent robberies targeting drivers in parked vehicles has swept across Manhattan and Queens over a 10-day span, the NYPD reported, with 11 incidents involving pepper spray, physical assault, and property theft under investigation.
The robberies, which occurred between April 25 and May 4, involved groups of unidentified individuals targeting male victims aged between 22 and 75 years old. Victims were typically seated inside their vehicles when approached. In several cases, suspects used pepper spray or threw unknown substances to incapacitate drivers before stealing wallets, cash, and mobile phones.
The first reported incident occurred on April 25 outside 185 Varick Street, where two individuals punched a 28-year-old man and took his cellphone. The following day, suspects threw liquid into a 60-year-old man’s face on West 19th Street before fleeing with his phone. Hours later, another man was robbed of his cellphone on Amsterdam Avenue and West 91st Street, though no injuries were reported.
More aggressive tactics escalated over the weekend of May 2–4. On May 2 alone, there were three reported incidents involving pepper spray and thefts of cash and wallets. A 23-year-old man was sprayed and robbed of $430 on Washington Street, and a 43-year-old man’s wallet was stolen from his center console on West 49th Street. A third attack the same day on Prince Street targeted a 54-year-old victim, who was also sprayed and had a bag stolen.
Key points
- Eleven incidents occurred across Manhattan and Queens between April 25 and May 4, targeting male drivers in parked vehicles
- Several victims were pepper sprayed or physically attacked before their wallets, phones, or cash were stolen
- Police have released surveillance media related to incidents #8, #9, #10, and #18 as investigations continue
Police seek public assistance in identifying suspects
On May 3, incidents continued with three more attacks in under two hours. Victims aged 24, 22, and 73 were pepper sprayed and robbed in Midtown and Hell’s Kitchen. The 22-year-old victim lost $1,280 in cash on West 56th Street. Early the next morning, a 73-year-old man was attacked and robbed of his phone and wallet near West 46th Street.
Two additional robberies occurred May 4. One involved a 44-year-old man on East 35th Street and another targeted a 75-year-old man near West 16th Street. In both incidents, wallets and phones were taken, and in one case, the suspects fled toward 3rd Avenue.
The NYPD has released surveillance images related to incidents #8, #9, #10, and #18 and is asking for help from the public in identifying the individuals involved. No arrests have been made as of Thursday.
Authorities are urging drivers to remain aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity as the investigations progress.