A group of teenagers in the Bronx have been involved in a series of violent robberies in and around Claremont Park over the past few months. The New York City Police Department has arrested four individuals and on May 14th, released photos of two more suspects who are still at large, urging the public to assist in their capture.
The teenage robbery gang has been targeting residents of Claremont Park and its surrounding areas, stealing valuable items such as Apple iPhones, Apple AirPods, and cash. They have committed over ten robberies since January of this year, with the first incident occurring on January 11th and the most recent one happening on May 11th. The majority of the victims are teenagers, some as young as 14 years old, with only two victims being males in their 40s and 50s. Apart from valuable items, the gang has collectively stolen over $6,000 in cash.
The modus operandi of this gang typically involves pushing, assaulting, choking, or kicking the victims before robbing them, or threatening them with knives or guns to hand over their belongings. In three recent instances: on May 6th, a 14-year-old boy was punched multiple times in the face before having his iPhone and AirPods stolen; on the 7th, a 17-year-old boy was pushed down in Claremont Park and had his iPhone taken; and at 1:00 a.m. on the 11th, four robbers approached a 17-year-old girl at the intersection of East 171st Street and College Avenue, snatched her phone, and warned her to leave or they would shoot. Police have stated that while all injured victims are not in life-threatening condition, some have sought medical treatment for cuts and bruises.
The city police department has disclosed the apprehension of four teenagers aged 18, 17, 14, and 13. The 18-year-old suspect, identified as Sincere Johnson from the Bronx, faces charges of first-degree robbery and second-degree illegal weapon possession. The other three minors have not had their names disclosed due to their underage status and are facing charges related to robbery, weapon possession, theft, and drugs. The 13-year-old is additionally facing a first-degree robbery charge as a hate crime.
There are still two robbers at large, and the police released photos of these individuals on May 14th. The public is urged to contact the city police crime stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-8477 with any information.