Police are asking Brooklyn residents to help identify a man who allegedly punched a 70-year-old at a busy Empire Boulevard bus stop on Wednesday, July 15, then walked off as the victim was left bruised and shaken.
The assault happened in front of 873 Empire Boulevard, where an unknown man approached the older victim, demanded cash, and then struck him in the face. The punch left visible bruising around the victim's left eye, according to investigators. Detectives have now released images of a person of interest and are urging anyone who recognizes him to come forward.
What police say
According to NYPD Crime Stoppers, the attack took place at about 2:55 p.m. on July 15. The bulletin states that the suspect demanded money, punched the 70-year-old in the face, and left him with noticeable bruising to his left eye.
The post includes images of a person of interest and asks anyone who recognizes him to contact investigators. Police are also reminding the public to hold on to any relevant cellphone or security camera footage that might help piece together what happened at the Empire Boulevard stop.
How to pass along tips
According to NYPD Crime Stoppers, tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), by sending a direct message to @NYPDTips on X, or through the program's online portal. Tipsters may be eligible for rewards of up to $3,500.
The program notes that calls and online submissions are confidential and urges anyone sharing information to keep original video files or images instead of deleting or altering them, since that footage can be critical evidence.
Broader pattern in the city
Assaults and robberies involving older New Yorkers have been surfacing across the city in recent months, with detectives frequently turning to Crime Stoppers for help finding suspects. Recent appeals have highlighted multiple incidents targeting seniors and other vulnerable residents, and investigators say public tips often provide the missing piece that moves a case forward.
In one recent case, police issued a July bulletin about a 66-year-old who was attacked inside a precinct stationhouse, underscoring how often detectives now rely on community members and their cameras to help close these files.
Anyone who recognizes the person shown in the latest Empire Boulevard bulletin, or who has footage from around 873 Empire Boulevard from that afternoon, is asked to contact investigators through the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline or by messaging @NYPDTips. Authorities say all tips are confidential and may qualify for the posted reward.
