A late-night knifepoint robbery in Sunset Park has detectives asking neighbors to take a closer look at newly released photos of two suspects. Police say that around 10:42 p.m. on May 16, in front of 5024 5 Avenue within the NYPD’s 72nd Precinct, two unidentified men approached a 28-year-old man, pulled a knife and demanded cash. According to investigators, the pair grabbed the victim’s wallet from his front pants pocket, then ran off heading east toward 50 Street.
The new images and a “WANTED FOR A ROBBERY” bulletin went up on June 4 via NYPD Crime Stoppers, which posted still frames of both suspects along with a brief rundown of what happened. The post urges anyone who recognizes the men or has relevant video to get in touch with police and share anything that might help identify them.
Police Request Tips And Video
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish speakers, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782), or to submit tips online through NYPD Crime Stoppers. The program allows anonymous tips and may offer cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest and indictment, according to the department’s guidance.
Where the Incident Happened
The location listed in the bulletin, 5024 5 Avenue, falls inside the NYPD’s 72nd Precinct, which covers parts of Sunset Park. The appeal is one of several Crime Stoppers bulletins that police have pushed out across Brooklyn in recent weeks as detectives lean on community tips and door-cam footage to track suspects in a borough-wide robbery spree.
Why Displaying A Knife Matters
Because the suspects are accused of pulling a knife while taking property, potential charges could be more serious under New York law. Using or displaying a weapon during a theft can push a case into robbery in the second or first degree, which carries significantly tougher penalties, according to NYC Criminal Lawyer. State court decisions have echoed that the display of a weapon during a theft can be a key factor in seeking higher-degree robbery counts in state prosecutions, as reflected in NY Courts.
If you witnessed the robbery or have door-cam or phone footage from near 5th Avenue and 50th Street, hold onto the original files and contact Crime Stoppers or your local precinct. For emergencies or crimes in progress, call 911.
