A violent robbery crew is on the loose in Sunset Park after a fast-moving spree of five attacks left several people beaten and one man clinging to life, according to police. Detectives say the pattern of robberies stretched from March 23 to April 29 and involved victims being punched, struck with a baseball bat and, in the most serious case, shot multiple times before being rushed to Maimonides Medical Center in critical condition.
How the Attacks Unfolded
Investigators say the first known attack in the pattern happened on March 23, when a 53-year-old man near 52nd Street and Ninth Avenue was punched and robbed of his watch, cellphone and cash. The crew allegedly struck again on April 9, robbing a victim in a building lobby, then on April 22, when a 53-year-old man was hit in the back with a baseball bat during another robbery.
The violence peaked on April 27, when a 31-year-old man was shot multiple times and taken to Maimonides Medical Center in critical condition, according to News 12. Police say the pattern continued into April 29, with at least five linked incidents across the neighborhood.
Photos Released, Police Seeking Tips
In response, the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers team released surveillance stills showing several suspects dressed in dark clothing and asked residents to comb through doorbell and building-camera footage for possible clues. That public appeal, along with the department’s request that neighbors save any relevant video rather than delete it, was detailed in a borough-wide robbery spree report, which also notes that detectives are urging people not to confront anyone they believe may be involved and to call 911 if a crime is in progress.
Victims and Stolen Property
Among the victims is a 42-year-old woman who police say was followed into a residential building, struck in the face with a firearm and robbed of her purse and three phones. Another 53-year-old man was hit in the back with a baseball bat in one of the attacks, authorities said.
Investigators estimate the crew made off with roughly $28,700 in stolen property. Police believe four people are responsible for the pattern and have circulated images of at least one suspected robber, as reported by PIX11.
What Neighbors Can Do
Detectives are asking residents to preserve any relevant surveillance clips and timestamps, then pass tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS instead of confronting possible suspects. News 12 notes that even a few seconds of video can help crack pattern cases, and police say tips that lead to arrests may qualify for rewards.
