Police are searching for a man who allegedly walked into a Family Dollar in Highbridge on Wednesday evening, loaded up roughly $148 worth of ice cream, threatened an employee who tried to stop him, then ran off with the frozen haul. The NYPD says the incident happened around 6:45 p.m., and investigators are asking neighbors and local businesses to comb through their cameras for any useful footage.
What police say
According to the NYPD, the suspect entered the Family Dollar at 1081 Ogden Ave and began gathering a large amount of ice cream before heading for the exit. When a worker tried to intervene, police say the man threatened to harm the employee, then left the store with the tubs of ice cream and fled the area. Authorities estimate the total loss at about $148, as reported by News 12 Bronx.
Where it happened and how to help
The Family Dollar at 1081 Ogden Ave is listed in the chain's Bronx store directory. Anyone with information or surveillance footage that might have captured the suspect or getaway route is asked to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip through the department's online portal, per Family Dollar.
Legal note
Threatening an employee during a taking can elevate a theft into a robbery under New York law, since robbery is defined as "forcible stealing" when property is taken by force or by causing fear. Whether prosecutors pursue robbery charges or a lesser theft offense will depend on what investigators and prosecutors can establish about force, fear, and intent, per Justia.
Police appeal
Authorities have not released a full suspect description and are urging local residents and businesses to review doorbell and security footage for anything that could help. As News 12 Bronx notes, anyone with tips should call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
