In a string of violent robberies across New York City, smoke shops have become the target of an unidentified assailant. The New York Police Department (NYPD) has released photographs of the suspect, believed to be involved in multiple incidents in the Bronx and Manhattan.
The first reported attack occurred on the morning of September 24th in the Bronx’s Melrose neighborhood. The assailant entered a smoke shop on Third Avenue, where he threatened a 30-year-old male employee, implying he was armed. After the employee sought refuge in the bathroom, the robber forcibly took $200 and escaped.
A more violent encounter unfolded months later, at 1:37 a.m. on Nov. 13, at a smoke shop on Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side. Here, the suspect, similar to the first incident, feigned possession of a firearm. The situation escalated when he attacked a 26-year-old employee with a wrench, severely injuring the worker’s hand, and then fled with $500 in a silver vehicle.
Smoke shop worker attacked with wrench in NYC robbery spree https://t.co/iWf5tOQXKw pic.twitter.com/O4Ghqfb1yD
— WCBS 880 (@wcbs880) November 29, 2023
Days later, on Nov. 18 at 1:05 p.m., another smoke shop at 3645 Bruckner Blvd. in the Bronx’s Pelham Bay area was targeted. The assailant threatened a 20-year-old employee, successfully robbing the store of $200 before fleeing.
While the first and third incidents resulted in no physical harm to the employees, the NYPD continued its investigation, seeking leads to apprehend the suspect. The community is urged to come forward with any information to help in the ongoing investigation.
Read More: Subway Train Killed MTA Worker in Manhattan Near 34th Street-Herald Square Station!
A Major Galveston County Human Trafficking Case Exposes 13 Men, Arrests 12!