Police say a 28-year-old man was swarmed, beaten and robbed inside a building at 6020 3rd Avenue in Sunset Park on March 30, according to images released by NYPD Crime Stoppers. Eight people allegedly punched and kicked the victim, displayed a knife and took about $600 from him during the incident. Investigators published photos on April 6 and are asking the public to help identify the group.
NYPD Crime Stoppers Seeks Witnesses
According to a post by NYPD Crime Stoppers, the assault took place inside 6020 3rd Avenue and left the 28-year-old victim with multiple injuries after he was punched and kicked. The post states that eight unidentified individuals displayed a knife and removed approximately $600 from him.
The appeal lists the Crime Stoppers tip lines - 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish speakers and 1-800-577-8477 - and directs people to submit information online through Crime Stoppers.
Scene And Neighborhood
The address cited in the post, 6020 3rd Avenue, is a mixed-use building in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, according to Realtor. The block combines storefronts and apartments and sits near transit and industry corridors, so foot traffic, passing drivers and building security systems are common sights in the area. Local surveillance footage and bystander video have helped investigators in past robbery cases, and detectives are again hoping someone nearby saw something or has usable images.
Legal Context
Legal materials explain that displaying a knife and acting together with several other people can raise the severity of a robbery charge under New York law. Robberies that involve weapons or cause physical injury are often prosecuted at higher degrees than a simple theft. For more on how the different degrees of robbery are defined in state law, see guidance from New York courts.
How To Help
Anyone with information, video or photos related to the incident is asked to call 1-800-577-8477 or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782), or to submit a tip through the Crime Stoppers portal. Tipsters can remain anonymous when contacting Crime Stoppers.
