Two men posing as gas company workers forced their way into a Ridgewood apartment Sunday night and held two residents at gunpoint, according to police. After bluffing their way to the door, the pair barged inside, pulled firearms and took a cellphone before running off on foot. The victims, a 27-year-old man and a 20-year-old man, were inside the apartment when the suspects stormed in. The 104th Precinct is investigating.
What Happened
According to an alert from NYPD Crime Stoppers, the robbery unfolded at about 11:05 p.m. when two unidentified males knocked on the door of the Ridgewood residence and claimed to represent a gas company. Once the door opened, police say they forced their way inside and displayed firearms.
The alert states that the suspects took the 27-year-old victim's cellphone, then fled the location on foot. Crime Stoppers is asking anyone with information to come forward and is advertising a reward of up to $3,500 for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment.
Where It Happened
The incident took place near Fairview Avenue and Woodbine Street, the intersection listed in the Crime Stoppers alert. That corner falls inside the 104th Precinct, which serves Ridgewood and surrounding neighborhoods, according to the NYPD. Detectives from the precinct are handling the case, and the precinct's webpage lists contact information for community members who want to reach out.
Pattern In The Neighborhood
Police impersonation and utility worker schemes have been an ongoing concern in Ridgewood and nearby blocks in recent years, with suspects using fake credentials or stories to get residents to open their doors. Local outlets have repeatedly urged people to check IDs, call companies directly and use peepholes or cameras before letting anyone inside.
Coverage by QNS and other neighborhood publications has documented earlier robberies where assailants targeted victims near Fairview Avenue and Woodbine Street, then took off with phones and cash. Neighbors say they stay on edge about unexpected visitors at night, especially when they are not expecting any service calls.
How To Report Tips
Anyone with information about Sunday's home invasion is asked to contact investigators through NYPD Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously online or by calling 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish speakers can call 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips may also be sent via X to @NYPDTips, and authorities note that information leading to an arrest and indictment could qualify for a reward of up to $3,500.
As of the Crime Stoppers alert, there have been no public reports of arrests in connection with the case. Detectives are asking anyone who has doorbell camera footage or other street-facing video from the Fairview and Woodbine area around 11 p.m. Sunday to contact them to help identify the suspects.
