QUEENS, N.Y. – The NYPD is asking for the public’s help identifying a man wanted in connection with a robbery aboard a Queens-bound A train that began with a passenger being punched in the face.
The robbery occurred at approximately 5 p.m. Monday as the train approached the 88 Street subway station in Queens, according to NYPD Crime Stoppers. Police said the 35-year-old victim was confronted by an unidentified individual, who allegedly punched him before a physical altercation followed.
During the struggle, the victim dropped his cellphone, according to police. The assailant allegedly picked it up, exited the train and fled the area on foot in an unknown direction.
- The robbery happened around 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, aboard a Queens-bound A train.
- Police said the 35-year-old victim was punched in the face before dropping his cellphone during the ensuing struggle.
- The NYPD released a surveillance image of the person investigators are seeking and asked anyone who recognizes him to contact Crime Stoppers.
Altercation Erupts as A Train Approaches 88 Street Station
The victim was riding the A train as it approached the 88 Street station when the encounter turned violent, according to the New York City Police Department.
An “unidentified individual punched him in the face and a physical altercation ensued,” NYPD Crime Stoppers said in its public appeal.
Police said the victim’s cellphone fell during that confrontation. The unidentified individual allegedly grabbed the device before getting off the train.
“The individual took the phone and exited the train,” Crime Stoppers said. Police said he then “fled the location on foot, traveling in an unknown direction.”
The robbery occurred within the confines of the NYPD’s 106th Precinct and Transit District 23. Police did not report whether the victim required medical treatment following the attack.
NYPD Releases Surveillance Image of Wanted Individual
Investigators released an image from inside a subway car showing the individual they are seeking in connection with the robbery.
The surveillance image shows a man wearing glasses, a white sleeveless shirt and a dark backpack. The NYPD has not publicly identified the individual, and police are asking anyone who recognizes him to provide information.
“Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline,” the department said.
Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish-speaking callers can contact 1-888-57-PISTA (74782), while information can also be submitted through the NYPD Crime Stoppers website or the @NYPDTips account on X.
Tip: The investigation comes as the NYPD continues responding to robberies and assaults across the city’s subway system, incidents regularly covered in Shore News Network’s New York City News section. Police did not announce an arrest as part of the Crime Stoppers appeal.
The person pictured is being sought for questioning in connection with the robbery and has not been convicted of a crime in connection with the incident.
Where did the A-train robbery happen?
The robbery occurred aboard a Queens-bound A train as it approached the 88 Street subway station in Queens, according to the NYPD.
What happened to the victim during the robbery?
Police said an unidentified individual punched the 35-year-old victim in the face. During the resulting struggle, the victim dropped his cellphone, which the assailant allegedly took before fleeing.
How can the public provide information to the NYPD?
Anyone with information can call NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS, use the Spanish-language hotline at 1-888-57-PISTA or submit information through the Crime Stoppers website or @NYPDTips on X.
Sources: NYPD Crime Stoppers public alert and surveillance image
