What started as a war of words at a Clason Point gas station turned violent Wednesday evening, leaving a 67-year-old man knocked unconscious on Soundview Avenue.
Police say the dispute broke out just before 8 p.m. at a Sunoco station on Soundview Avenue, where two men got into a verbal exchange that suddenly escalated when one of them threw a punch. The victim was knocked out and later taken by emergency responders to NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, where he was listed as expected to recover.
According to officers, the assailant did not stick around. He drove off in a gray Range Rover heading south on Soundview Avenue, leaving detectives to piece together what led to the assault.
Police seek public's help
The NYPD has released surveillance images of the man believed to be responsible and is asking for the public's help putting a name to the face, according to News 12 The Bronx. Investigators told the outlet they still do not know what sparked the argument as they continue to review store video and talk to potential witnesses.
How to report tips
Anyone with information or relevant footage is urged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS or submit an internet tip, per the NYPD Crime Stoppers page. The incident took place in the area covered by the NYPD's 43rd Precinct, which serves Soundview and Clason Point and is handling the investigation, according to the precinct's page.
Neighborhood context
This latest assault comes on the heels of other violent incidents reported in Clason Point this month, including a fatal shooting in the neighborhood, according to News 12 The Bronx. Detectives have not linked the cases, but the gas station attack has added urgency to police appeals for any information or video that could help identify the person seen in the newly released surveillance images.
