Police are hunting a group of five people tied to a violent attempted robbery pattern in Washington Heights that left two residents injured and several cellphones snatched on May 7. Investigators say a 21-year-old man had his phone forcibly taken, briefly got it back, then was slashed, punched and kicked. In a separate attack, a 44-year-old woman was approached from behind, punched multiple times and robbed of her phone.
EMS treated the younger victim at the scene, according to police, while the woman was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center in stable condition. Detectives say the suspects took off westbound on West 187th Street after the incidents.
What police released
In a bulletin that includes still frames and a brief case write-up, NYPD Crime Stoppers on Facebook says detectives have linked the two attacks to an "attempted robbery pattern" within the 34th Precinct. The post identifies five people officers want to speak with and lays out the sequence the crew is accused of using: quick cellphone grabs, short-lived recoveries by the victims, then slashing and other assaults that ultimately sent both targets for medical treatment.
Police are asking anyone who recognizes the individuals in the released images to contact investigators and to hold onto any potential video evidence.
Where it happened
The reported robberies unfolded around the intersection of West 186th Street and Laurel Hill Terrace, a residential stretch in Washington Heights, Manhattan. That corridor falls within Community Board 12's Washington Heights district, according to local property and planning records from Manhattan Community Board 12.
A wider pattern
The alert is one of several "robbery pattern" notices the NYPD has pushed out this spring, each tying small groups of suspects to multiple thefts and assaults across different neighborhoods. Coverage from Fox 5 New York and other outlets notes that detectives are leaning more than ever on security cameras, doorbell systems and cellphone video to track suspects in these fast-moving street crimes.
How to help
Anyone who recognizes the people in the photos, or who may have captured the incidents on video, is asked to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), texting TIP577 to 274637, or submitting an anonymous tip online via NYPD Crime Stoppers. According to the program, tips that lead to an arrest and indictment may qualify for a reward of up to $3,500.
Police are reminding neighbors not to confront anyone they believe might be involved and to preserve any relevant footage for investigators. If you see a crime in progress, call 911 immediately.
