A Saturday morning errand in Queens turned violent when a 28-year-old man was allegedly burned on the hand with a lighter inside a local business, and now police are asking for the public’s help to find the suspect.
The NYPD says the attack happened around 8:00 a.m. inside 134-30 Atlantic Avenue. The victim suffered burns to his right hand. According to investigators, the suspect took off in a red Dodge Ram 1500 that headed southbound on Atlantic Avenue.
What Investigators Released
In a post from NYPD Crime Stoppers, police say the victim and the suspect were in a verbal dispute shortly before the unidentified person used a lighter to burn the 28-year-old man’s right hand. The suspect then fled the building and left the scene in a red Dodge Ram 1500, traveling south on Atlantic Avenue. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the argument, the assault, or the fleeing vehicle to contact investigators.
Reward And How To Tip
The NYPD’s Crime Stoppers program says tipsters may be eligible for up to $3,500 if their information leads to an arrest and indictment in the case. Tips are being taken by direct message to @NYPDTips on X or by phone at 1-800-577-TIPS. According to the department’s Crime Stoppers page, tips can also be submitted online, and callers can remain anonymous while still being considered for a reward. NYPD Crime Stoppers
Where This Happened
The address in the wanted notice, 134-30 Atlantic Avenue, is in South Richmond Hill in Queens and is listed in public property records as a commercial retail site. That stretch of Atlantic Avenue includes gas stations and small storefronts that see steady local traffic, which investigators note could mean useful security video or eyewitness footage is out there, waiting to be turned in. Compass
Legal Context
Under New York law, an assault that causes burns can be treated as a serious violent offense. Causing physical injury with a dangerous instrument or intentionally disfiguring someone can lead to second- or even first-degree assault charges, depending on intent and how severe the injury is. Summaries of the state’s Penal Law note that prosecutors look at the level of injury, the object that caused it, and the defendant’s intent when deciding what charges to bring. FindLaw
How Locals Can Help
Investigators are urging residents and nearby business owners to check security systems for any footage from around 8:00 a.m. on the day of the incident, especially along Atlantic Avenue near 134-30. Doorbell cameras, storefront systems, and other recordings could help identify the suspect or confirm the path of the red Dodge Ram 1500.
Anyone with video or information is asked to share it with Crime Stoppers. The NYPD’s Crime Stoppers page details how to send tips by phone, online, or through the app, all with the option to remain anonymous. NYPD Crime Stoppers
