Authorities in New York are intensifying their search for a suspect, or suspects, believed to be responsible for a series of violent robberies across Manhattan and The Bronx. According to ABC7NY, there have been 17 incidents since September, with the use of an e-bike and a motorbike reported in different accounts of similar crimes. These incidents involve the brandishing of a gun and, in one instance, the firing of shots.
The partaking of this crime spree seems to include the use of an e-bike to ride up quickly to victims, either pedestrians or fellow bikers, and then demanding money at gunpoint. One of the victims, 76-year-old Jorge Medina of the West Concourse section of the Bronx, relayed to ABC7NY his harrowing encounter near Yankee Stadium. "He cut me off. He yelled, 'Give it to me I said, all of it,'" Medina recounted. The crime spree appears to have escalated, with the most recent robbery occurring in Manhattan just days ago.
Meanwhile, News 12 The Bronx reported that two people on a motorbike have been involved in similar incidents, including theft of other motorbikes, cash, and jewelry. While the methods may differ slightly, the endgame remains consistent—perpetrating robberies with the aid of quick getaway vehicles and utilizing a firearm to intimidate victims.
Despite the release of images and video by police, there seems to be a difficulty in capturing the suspects. In a statement given to ABC7NY, Medina admitted he did not recognize the gunman when shown surveillance footage. The NYPD has ramped up efforts to apprehend the individuals involved and is asking anyone with information to call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) in hopes of to swiftly bring an end to this menacing streak of crime.
