Police on Tuesday released surveillance images as they look for four people linked to a violent attack inside a downtown Flushing business that left a 21-year-old man injured. Authorities say the assault happened around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8, and involved two suspects who displayed knives while two others allegedly hit the victim several times with a baseball bat and a chair.
The latest public appeal came in a “WANTED FOR AN ASSAULT” post published Feb. 23, which included surveillance stills and a brief rundown of what investigators say took place. According to NYPD Crime Stoppers, the victim is a 21-year-old male and anyone with information is urged to DM @NYPDTips or call 1-800-577-TIPS. Tips that lead to an arrest may qualify for a reward of up to $3,500.
Where it happened
Investigators listed the address as 40-18 Main Street, which corresponds to a McDonald’s restaurant in downtown Flushing near the busy Flushing-Main Street transit hub. The restaurant listing places the site at Main Street and 40th Road, a heavily trafficked commercial corner where evening foot traffic is thick and nearby storefront cameras could hold valuable footage. The corridor falls under the NYPD’s 109th Precinct, which covers downtown Flushing along with adjoining neighborhoods, according to the department’s precinct information.
Police appeal for witnesses
Detectives say the surveillance images could be key to identifying the four people shown and are asking anyone who recognizes them to come forward. The Crime Stoppers post directs the public to DM @NYPDTips or call 1-800-577-TIPS and notes that anonymous tips that result in an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward. Local investigators are also asking residents and business owners to review any private surveillance footage or cellphone video from around the Feb. 8 time frame.
Possible charges
The reported use of knives and blunt objects could raise the severity of any criminal charges if prosecutors are able to connect specific weapons to particular suspects or demonstrate serious physical injury. New York’s Penal Law sets out different degrees of assault that increase when a weapon is involved or when serious injury occurs, and separate statutes cover criminal possession of certain knives and other weapons. For the statutory language, see Penal Law §120.00 and §265.01.
How to help
Anyone with video, photos or other information tied to the incident is asked to preserve that evidence and contact investigators. Tips can be shared via direct message to @NYPDTips or by calling 1-800-577-TIPS, and local follow-up may be handled through the NYPD’s 109th Precinct.
