A Friday night shift at a Manhattan CVS turned violent when two people allegedly pulled knives and punched a 22-year-old employee at the chain’s 81 8th Avenue location, according to police. The assault happened around 8 p.m. on February 20, 2026, and officers say the pair ran off on foot. No arrests have been announced.
Investigators say the two unidentified individuals walked into the store in the 10th Precinct, attacked the worker and took off. A wanted notice from NYPD Crime Stoppers says a reward of up to $3,500 is on the table for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment. The bulletin, shared March 12, includes surveillance stills of the suspects.
How to report a tip
According to NYPD Crime Stoppers, anyone with information can call the main tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or the Spanish hotline at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online through NYPD Crime Stoppers. The city notes that rewards may be paid for information that leads to an arrest and indictment.
What investigators released
The wanted bulletin says the attackers "brandished knives" inside the CVS before punching the 22-year-old employee and leaving on foot to parts unknown. The incident falls within the NYPD’s 10th Precinct, which covers Chelsea and nearby blocks.
Possible legal charges
If the suspects are arrested, they could be looking at assault and weapons charges under New York law, since the presence or use of a knife can elevate an assault to a felony such as assault in the second degree. State statute explains how using a "deadly weapon or dangerous instrument" can increase penalties for an assault; prosecutors would weigh the injuries and available evidence before deciding on charges. New York Penal Law §120.05
Neighborhood context
The NYPD Crime Stoppers feed has pushed out a string of similar winter wanted notices, and local outlets have relied on those bulletins to keep cases in the public eye. Recent Hoodline coverage includes a Hunts Point beatdown and a separate Q14 rider sucker punched case that highlight how anonymous tips and surveillance images often help detectives put names to faces.
Anyone who was at or near 81 8th Avenue on the evening of February 20 and has information or video is urged to contact the Crime Stoppers tip line or submit an anonymous report online. If you see an immediate threat, call 911. Do not approach anyone you believe to be a suspect. Instead contact investigators so they can follow up safely.
