A brazen midday robbery near 58th Street and 7th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan has police looking for a gunman who, authorities say, tailed a 19-year-old woman into her residential building and held her up at gunpoint.
The robbery happened on Friday, Feb. 13, at about 12:40 p.m. Once inside the building, the man allegedly pulled out a firearm, placed it on the victim’s stomach and took her purse, cellphone and other belongings. The woman was left shaken, though she was not reported to be seriously injured. The case remains under investigation.
How Police Say the Midtown Robbery Went Down
The NYPD Crime Stoppers program shared a wanted notice with photos and a brief description of the suspect. According to the notice, the man followed the 19-year-old into the building on Feb. 13 at about 12:40 p.m., pulled a gun and took her purse, cellphone and other items, per NYPD Crime Stoppers.
How to Send Tips and What the Reward Looks Like
The NYPD Crime Stoppers program allows people to submit tips anonymously and offers rewards for information that leads to an arrest. The city’s Crime Stoppers page notes rewards of up to $3,500 and lists the hotline as 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The page also directs people to the @NYPDTips account for wanted images and updates, and tips can be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers site.
What Charges a Suspect Could Face Under State Law
New York law defines robbery as “forcible stealing,” and using or displaying a firearm can increase the severity of the charge. Prosecutors could pursue second- or first-degree robbery, depending on whether the suspect displayed or was armed with a weapon, according to the New York State Senate and the New York State Senate.
What Police Want From Neighbors and Building Staff
Detectives are urging residents, doormen and building staff to review any available camera footage and to call Crime Stoppers or 911 if they spot anything that might help. Following victims into lobbies and stairwells is a tactic police have noted in other cases, and public tips have helped close similar investigations in the past, including a prior incident highlighted by WABC.
