What started as a blast of vape smoke on a northbound Bx13 bus turned into a brutal group attack in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in the Bronx, according to police. A 19-year-old man was assaulted in the vicinity of 959 Ogden Avenue after an unknown person allegedly blew vape smoke in his face, witnesses told investigators.
From there, the encounter escalated into a full-on beating. Police say a group of assailants began punching and kicking the victim, and at least one person displayed a sharp object that slashed the victim’s left hand. The suspects reportedly bolted from the bus, only to hop back on through the rear doors and continue the assault before taking off again.
Incident details and a wanted alert were shared by NYPD Crime Stoppers, which says the assault happened at approximately 12:20 a.m. The unit is urging anyone with information to speak up and is offering a reward of up to $3,500 for a tip that leads to an arrest and indictment.
Where this happened
The Bx13 is a local MTA route that runs along Ogden Avenue through this stretch of the Bronx, serving residential blocks and nearby commercial strips. The MTA’s route information confirms that the Bx13 operates on Ogden Avenue in this corridor, putting the reported attack right on a heavily used neighborhood bus line that many riders rely on late into the night.
Police appeal and how to help
Investigators want to hear from anyone who was on that Bx13 bus around the time of the incident or who might have cellphone video of what happened. Tips can be submitted by phone, text, or online. The NYPD directs tipsters to call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish speakers 1-888-57-PISTA (74782), and to use the department’s Crime Stoppers portal for anonymous reports.
Legal note
At-large suspects accused of using a weapon in an assault can face state assault and weapons charges if they are arrested and indicted under New York law. New York’s Penal Law spells out assault offenses along with separate statutes for criminal possession of dangerous instruments and weapons, which prosecutors could weigh depending on the evidence gathered in the case.
Anyone with information tied to the April 19 assault is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or to message the NYPD’s @NYPDTips account on X. The department says all calls and online tips are handled confidentially, and that eligible tipsters may receive a monetary reward.
