BRONX, N.Y. – Two young women are being sought in a string of violent robberies that left two men attacked and robbed within hours of each other near Bronx Park South.
Police said the first attack happened Wednesday evening when a 26-year-old man was cornered near Bryant Avenue and Bronx Park South and hit with pepper spray before the thieves took his phone, cash, and jewelry.
Just hours later, early Thursday morning, a 25-year-old man was lured through a dating app to Honeywell Avenue, where the same suspects allegedly used pepper spray and stole his cellphone before running off into the night.
Key Points
- Two robberies occurred within hours of each other in the 48th Precinct near Bronx Park South
- Both victims were pepper sprayed and robbed by two female suspects described as 18 to 25 years old
- Police believe the same duo may be responsible for both attacks and are asking for the public’s help
Police link two similar Bronx robberies
Investigators said the first incident took place around 5:55 p.m. Wednesday, when the 26-year-old victim was ambushed by two unidentified women near Bryant Avenue. One sprayed him with a chemical agent before both grabbed his belongings and fled westbound. The victim refused medical treatment at the scene.
Roughly eight hours later, at about 1:44 a.m. Thursday, a second man was attacked nearby after arranging a meeting with two women through a dating app. One sprayed him in the face, while the other raided his car for his phone. Both suspects ran south on East 181st Street. Emergency medical workers treated the victim on site.
Suspects sought in connection with violent robberies
Both attackers are described as females with dark complexions and slim builds, believed to be between 18 and 25 years old. Police said one was last seen wearing a blue headscarf, black sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and black sneakers. The second was wearing a red headscarf with matching dark clothing.
Detectives from the 48th Precinct are investigating whether the two incidents are part of a coordinated pattern targeting men through social or dating apps.
Community urged to stay alert
Police have urged Bronx residents to use caution when meeting people online and to avoid secluded areas. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the suspects to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline.