A late-night stop at a Crown Heights deli turned brutal last Wednesday, leaving a 60-year-old man fighting for his life after a violent robbery inside the store, according to police. The victim suffered serious injuries that required emergency transport, rattling neighbors along Eastern Parkway and reigniting worries about how safe the area really is after dark.
According to News12, the assault happened around 12:30 a.m. inside the deli at 1380 Eastern Parkway. Police say an unidentified man walked up to the victim, started punching and kicking him, then grabbed the man’s wallet and ran off on foot. EMS rushed the 60-year-old to One Brooklyn Health–Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition.
Where This Fits in Recent Trends
The attack comes as parts of Brooklyn are seeing modest bumps in theft and robbery. Reporting by the Brooklyn Paper found that major felonies were up in January 2026 compared with the same month a year earlier. On top of that, a late-night train death on Eastern Parkway last week has only added to the tension along the corridor.
Police Ask for Tips
Investigators are now asking for the public’s help in tracking down the attacker. Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers program. Tips can be shared anonymously by calling 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or through the Crime Stoppers website, per the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers page.
Detectives are specifically encouraging residents and business owners to review any doorbell or store surveillance footage from the time of the assault and share relevant clips with police. The investigation remains active, and no arrests had been announced as of the latest reports. Authorities say they will release additional details as they become available, and we will update this story if that happens.
