Cops hunt for man behind string of daylight robberies targeting Manhattan and Bronx pedestrians | amNewYork

"The NYPD said the suspect, sometimes working with an accomplice, has approached victims on scooters or mopeds, brandishing a firearm and demanding jewelry, cash, or bikes. The robberies have occurred since mid-September in broad daylight across multiple precincts, from the South Bronx to the Upper East Side, Midtown, and Lower Manhattan. The spree began on September 14, when two men on a two-wheeled vehicle approached a 31-year-old man at Clay Avenue and East 167th Street in the Bronx, displayed a gun,"

"In the weeks that followed, police said the same pattern repeated: thieves speeding up to victims on two-wheeled vehicles, brandishing weapons, and snatching necklaces, bracelets, and in some cases, the victims' bikes. Some incidents turned violent. On September 30, near White Plains Road and Cruger Avenue, a 49-year-old woman was struck in the head with a firearm after the suspect removed a chain from her neck. She refused medical attention at the scene, police said."

"On October 19, within a three-hour span, four robberies were reported in Manhattan's 19th Precinct, from East 68th Street to East 90th Street, involving the same tactics: a man on a two-wheeled vehicle, a firearm, and demands for property. In one case, the suspect took $12; in others, no property was stolen. The most recent known incident occurred on November 10, in front of 2 Charlton Street in SoHo. A 59-year-old man was approached by the gunman, who demanded his bag."

Police seek a suspect linked to at least 17 allegedly armed robberies across the Bronx and Manhattan since mid-September. The suspect, sometimes with an accomplice, approaches victims on scooters or mopeds, brandishes a firearm, and demands jewelry, cash, or bikes. The spree began September 14 in the Bronx and expanded to the Upper East Side, Midtown, Lower Manhattan, and SoHo. Several incidents involved forcible removal of chains and theft of two-wheeled vehicles; some turned violent, including a woman struck in the head and a November 10 shooting during a struggle. Investigations remain ongoing.

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