Manhattan store hit twice by armed robbery suspect brandishing knife

MANHATTAN, N.Y. — Police are investigating a robbery pattern after the same Upper East Side business was targeted twice this month by a knife-wielding suspect, authorities said.

The first incident occurred on Sunday, May 11, at approximately 10 a.m., when an unidentified individual entered a commercial establishment at 1529 3rd Avenue, removed merchandise from the sales floor, and attempted to flee. According to police, the suspect brandished a sharp object and threatened a 31-year-old male employee before fleeing southbound on 3rd Avenue toward East 86th Street.

The second incident took place two weeks later, on Sunday, May 25, at 10:02 a.m., at the same location. Police say the same sequence unfolded: a suspect entered the store, stole merchandise, threatened the same employee with a sharp object, and fled south on 3rd Avenue.

No injuries were reported in either robbery. The NYPD confirmed both incidents occurred within the confines of the 19th Precinct, which covers the Upper East Side.

The individual remains unidentified and is being sought in connection with both incidents. The suspect’s description has not yet been released.

NYPD investigates linked threats at Upper East Side shop

Authorities are treating the two robberies as connected due to their striking similarities in method, location, and suspect behavior. The use of a sharp object in both cases classifies the incidents as armed robberies, despite no physical harm being inflicted.

Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and have increased patrols near the location in response.

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed either incident or has information on the suspect to contact the NYPD.

A suspect armed with a sharp object robbed the same Upper East Side store twice in two weeks, police said.

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