A quiet Tuesday afternoon in Jamaica, Queens turned ugly when an 88-year-old man was punched to the ground near 148 Street and Jamaica Avenue around 1:30 p.m. Police say the attacker, described only as an unidentified individual, took off on foot after the assault. EMS rushed the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
🚨WANTED FOR AN ASSAULT: On Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at approximately 1:30 PM, in the vicinity of 148 Street and Jamaica Avenue, an 88-year-old male was walking when he was approached by an unidentified individual who punched him in the face causing him to fall to the ground.… pic.twitter.com/eBRcD61HpM
— NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) April 24, 2026
Police circulate wanted bulletin
According to NYPD Crime Stoppers, detectives have released a "WANTED FOR AN ASSAULT" notice that lists the time and intersection of the attack and describes the assailant as unidentified. The bulletin urges anyone with information or footage to come forward anonymously, and detectives note that tips that lead to an arrest and indictment may qualify for a reward.
Witnesses and video could be key
As reported by PIX11, the assailant punched the elderly man in the face, causing him to fall to the pavement, then fled east on Jamaica Avenue. EMS responded and transported the 88-year-old to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. Investigators are asking businesses and residents in the area to check surveillance systems and door-cam footage for anything that might help identify the suspect.
How to submit tips
The city's Crime Stoppers program says tipsters can call 1-800-577-TIPS, use the online portal, or message the department's X account. Rewards of up to $3,500 may be available for information that leads to an arrest and indictment, according to NYPD Crime Stoppers. Spanish-language tips can be made at 1-888-57-PISTA. The program allows anonymous reporting and is administered by the New York City Police Foundation.
Neighborhood context
The alert follows a string of similar wanted notices in Jamaica this spring. Senior sucker-punched highlighted a March 10 case in which a 67-year-old was assaulted outside a McDonald’s in the neighborhood. That post noted how detectives often rely on public video and quick community tips to identify suspects.
Anyone with information about Tuesday's assault is urged to preserve any relevant video and contact Crime Stoppers or the NYPD's 107th Precinct. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for the advertised reward if their tip leads to an arrest and indictment.
