Police are asking for the public's help tracking down a suspect who allegedly flashed a knife and tried to steal a 53-year-old woman's purse outside 2017 Castle Hill Avenue in the Bronx. The attempted robbery unfolded around 7:52 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, when the woman refused to hand over her bag. Investigators say the assailant punched her before taking off northbound on Castle Hill Avenue.
🚨WANTED FOR A ROBBERY: On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at approximately 7:52 PM, in front of 2017 Castle Hill Avenue, confines of the 43 Precinct, an unidentified individual approached a 53-year-old female, displayed a knife, and demanded the victim’s purse. The victim refused and… pic.twitter.com/30c8TEoHRM
— NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) July 21, 2026
What police released
According to NYPD Crime Stoppers, the unidentified suspect approached the 53-year-old victim, displayed a knife and demanded her purse. When she refused, the suspect allegedly punched her in the face but failed to grab the bag. The bulletin notes the attempted robbery happened in the 43rd Precinct and that the suspect ran northbound on Castle Hill Avenue. Detectives are asking anyone with video or information about the encounter to come forward.
How to report tips and reward
The NYPD's Crime Stoppers program is offering up to $3,500 for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment, and runs an anonymous tip line and online portal for submissions, according to NYPD Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can call 1-800-577-TIPS or send a direct message to @NYPDTips to share information. Those whose tips lead to an arrest may be eligible for a reward.
Neighborhood pattern
The Castle Hill attempt lands amid a run of purse-snatching and knife-related wanted bulletins the department has posted across the Bronx this month. Hoodline has tracked similar NYPD Crime Stoppers alerts, including a recent moped-enabled snatch-and-run and a separate White Plains Road knife hold-up, which highlight how detectives lean on neighbor video and tips to identify suspects, per moped sidewalk purse heist and White Plains Road knife hold-up.
Legal note
Under state law, "Robbery is forcible stealing," and the presence or display of a weapon during a theft can elevate charges to higher degrees under Article 160 of the Penal Law. For statutory language and definitions, see New York Penal Law Article 160.
How neighbors can help
Anyone who was in the area that night is urged to hold on to any phone or door-cam video and avoid deleting footage that might help investigators. Victims and witnesses seeking support can contact the NYPD Crime Victim Assistance Program for resources. Anyone with immediate information should call 911 or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
