Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a group of individuals allegedly behind a string of 19 robberies and assaults targeting cab drivers across Manhattan and Queens.
According to the NYPD, at least 19 cab drivers were assaulted or robbed in incidents from Jan. 21 to May 4, as part of what investigators are calling a coordinated robbery pattern. In each case, the suspects were picked up or dropped off by their victims before reportedly carrying out the crimes.
The incidents span at least 10 precincts across Manhattan – the 1st, 10th, 13th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 24th, 25th – and the 110th precinct in Queens.
Several of the victims reported being sprayed with unknown substances or pepper spray before having their belongings taken. In some cases, the suspects forcibly removed wallets, cellphones, or cash, while in others, victims were punched or pushed during the attacks.
Cops say the most recent string of incidents began April 25, when two individuals allegedly stole a cellphone from a 28-year-old man sitting in his vehicle on Varick St. When the cab driver confronted them, one suspect punched him in the face before both fled on foot.
The next day, two more drivers were attacked — one doused with a chemical substance near West 19th St. and another robbed near Amsterdam Ave, according to police.
On May 2 and 3 alone, police reported at least seven incidents across Manhattan involving suspects using pepper spray on drivers before robbing them. In one case, a 22-year-old man was sprayed and robbed of $1,280 in Midtown. Another victim, a 73-year-old man, was targeted early the next morning on West 46th St.
The earliest known incident linked to the group occurred on Jan. 21 in East Harlem, where two suspects allegedly sprayed a 30-year-old driver in the face with an unknown substance before stealing $1,500 and a debit card.
Victims ranged in age from 22 to 75, and though several were treated on scene by EMS or transported to hospitals, no life-threatening injuries were reported. Police said the suspects have made unauthorized purchases with stolen credit cards at retailers including Target and Forever 21.
The NYPD released surveillance footage showing four individuals allegedly involved in the robbery pattern. However, not all four suspects were present in every incident; the group is believed to have operated in varying combinations of two or three at a time.
Police described the suspects as three females and one male, all believed to be between 17 and 19 years old with dark complexions. One female is approximately 5 feet tall, 110 pounds, with a slim build, black hair, and brown eyes. Another is about 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build, long black hair, and brown eyes. The third female is around 5 feet 6 inches tall with a medium build. The male suspect is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, 110 pounds, with a slim build.
Anyone with information regarding the pattern can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
