The New York Police Department (NYPD) is actively searching for two suspects believed to be responsible for a series of robberies targeting Uber and Lyft drivers in Brooklyn and Staten Island. The duo has been linked to at least seven incidents that occurred between February 26 and March 13, according to CBS News.
The modus operandi of the suspects involves hailing ride-shares and entering the vehicles before requesting the driver’s phone under the pretense of changing the destination. However, they then attempt to abscond with the cell phone. The suspects, who conceal their identities with face masks and hoodies, have targeted male drivers between the ages of 37 and 68.
During the initial crime attributed to the pair, a heated argument ensued between the suspects and a 38-year-old driver, culminating in the suspects slapping the driver and fleeing with his cell phone. The following day, the suspects allegedly pressed a sharp object against another driver’s back, demanding he surrender his phone. In another incident, the suspects snatched a phone from a driver’s hands, while in a separate case, they forcibly removed a phone attached to a car vent.
Fortunately, none of the victims sustained serious injuries as a result of these robberies. However, this crime spree follows a previous wave of robberies targeting ride-share drivers, where at least three other suspects were sought by the police. In those cases, the suspects also stole the drivers’ phones after requesting a change in destination. The stolen phones were then used to transfer funds to an unknown bank account, resulting in the suspects amassing over $30,000 between July 4, 2022, and January 7, 2024. It remains unclear if the newly identified duo is connected to these previous suspects.
The NYPD urges anyone with information regarding these recent incidents to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish speakers. Tips can also be submitted on Twitter @NYPDTips.
2 Responses
I recently had a terrifying experience while using a ride-sharing service in Brooklyn. It was late at night, and I had just finished a long day at work. I requested an Uber to take me home, and within a few minutes, the driver arrived.
Everything seemed normal at first. The driver was friendly, and we engaged in some small talk during the ride. However, as we approached a quiet street, two individuals suddenly appeared out of nowhere and blocked our path. They were wearing masks and brand
What steps can ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft take to ensure the safety and security of their drivers, especially in areas with high crime rates?