What started as routine snow shoveling on a Bronx sidewalk turned into a gun scare, and now police want help tracking down the driver they say pulled a weapon and took off.
The confrontation unfolded around 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 at Westchester Avenue and Willow Lane in the East Bronx, within the NYPD's 45th Precinct. A 35-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man were clearing a sidewalk when, according to witnesses, a man in a white Chevrolet pickup rolled up, displayed a firearm, then headed off southbound on Bruckner Boulevard.
What Investigators Released
The NYPD's appeal for public assistance went public on March 5 in a post from NYPD Crime Stoppers, which shared images of the pickup and noted the vehicle's reported route after the encounter. The post states that tips could bring a reward of up to $3,500 and urges anyone with information to contact investigators confidentially.
Where It Happened
The corner of Westchester Avenue and Willow Lane sits in the 45th Precinct's patrol area, which covers neighborhoods including Westchester Square and Co-op City, according to the NYPD. Locals know winter here can be a headache, with tight sidewalks, busy side streets and snowbanks that can block sightlines for both passersby and would-be witnesses.
How To Report Tips
Police are asking anyone who knows the driver, recognizes the pickup or saw the incident to get in touch with Crime Stoppers. Tips can be phoned in to 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or to the Spanish hotline at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Information can also be shared online through Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may qualify for the posted reward.
Legal Implications
The NYPD describes the case as a menacing incident. Under New York law, menacing covers conduct that intentionally puts another person in fear of physical injury, including showing or pointing a weapon. State law breaks the offense into degrees with different penalties; the statutory language is laid out in the New York Penal Law.
Investigators say video or photos from doorbell, building or dash cameras in the area could be key to identifying the suspect or confirming the truck's path. Anyone who captured footage of the white pickup or the confrontation is urged to preserve it for detectives and share it with investigators. The NYPD and Crime Stoppers reiterate that tips may be kept confidential and could be eligible for the reward that has been announced.
