A late-night food run on Wednesday, April 22, turned ugly outside 492 Madison Street in New York City, where a 39-year-old delivery rider was robbed, police said. The victim was out making deliveries on a two-wheeled vehicle at about 10:30 p.m. when several unidentified individuals forced him off his ride and grabbed a fanny pack holding $147 in cash. The crew took off eastbound on Madison Avenue, leaving the rider rattled but able to call for help.
Investigators have since put out a wanted alert, releasing photos and asking the public for tips. The NYPD Crime Stoppers account posted the call for help on social media and noted that a reward of up to $3,500 may be available. According to NYPD Crime Stoppers, the suspects forcibly took both the rider’s two-wheeled vehicle and the fanny pack with the cash inside.
How To Submit A Tip
Anyone with information can submit an anonymous tip through the Crime Stoppers program. Tips are accepted online via NYPD Crime Stoppers or by calling the hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). A Spanish-language line is available at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782), per NYPD Crime Stoppers. The program says eligible information may qualify for the reward referenced in the wanted alert.
Police are also asking neighbors and businesses near Madison Street and Madison Avenue to review any security camera footage from roughly 10:15 to 11:00 p.m. that night in case it captured the robbery or the suspects leaving the area.
Delivery Workers Face Growing Threat
Robberies targeting food and package delivery workers have surfaced repeatedly this year, with thieves frequently seizing e-bikes and cash during night shifts, according to reporting by amNewYork. That outlet has reported cases in which suspects used fake orders and other ruses to lure riders to specific spots before ambushing them.
Delivery-worker groups and local advocates say measures such as better tracking, clearer reporting channels and marking bikes with serial numbers can help recover stolen property and discourage repeat offenders.
In this latest case on Madison Street, police say the images released in the wanted alert could be key to identifying the suspects. Anyone who recognizes the people in the photos or has video from the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. The NYPD and local advocates are reminding delivery workers to avoid confrontations and report any robbery as soon as possible so investigators can move quickly.
For this incident, tips may be submitted through the NYPD Crime Stoppers website or by calling the tip line listed in the alert.
