A routine ride on a northbound N train in Brooklyn turned frightening on Jan. 22, when an unidentified suspect pulled a knife on a 14-year-old boy and robbed him of his jacket, according to police. The robbery happened around 4:25 p.m. at the 20th Avenue station, and the suspect ran off after taking the coat.
NYPD Posts Video, Asks Riders to Speak Up
In a post from NYPD Crime Stoppers on Facebook, police released video and still images of the person wanted in the case and asked the public for help tracking him down. The post states that the suspect displayed a knife, demanded the teen's jacket on the train, then fled the station after the robbery. Tips can be sent by direct message to @nypdtips or by calling 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
Where It Happened
The robbery took place at the 20th Avenue stop on the BMT Sea Beach Line in Bensonhurst, which is served by the N train. The station sits between 63rd and 64th Streets, according to Wikipedia, and typically sees a steady flow of commuters in the late afternoon.
What Police Say
According to the NYPD Crime Stoppers post, the victim is a 14-year-old boy who was riding a northbound N train when the suspect approached him and demanded his jacket while displaying a knife. After taking the jacket, the suspect left the train and exited the station. Police have not announced any arrests in connection with the case.
Legal Context
Under New York law, robbery is defined as forcible stealing, and using or displaying a weapon can increase the severity of the charge and potential penalties. The relevant robbery statutes are outlined in New York Penal Law.
How to Help
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has video from the train or station is asked to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers by direct message at @nypdtips or by calling 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Even brief observations or partial video clips could help investigators identify the suspect.
