The NYPD is investigating two suspects in connection with at least seven robberies targeting Uber and Lyft drivers across Brooklyn and Staten Island.
The two allegedly called a rideshare, got into the car before demanding the driver’s phone, claiming they wanted to change their destination, and then used that ruse to try to flee with the cellphone. ing.
Police said the suspects, hidden behind masks and hoodies, were connected to at least seven incidents between February 26 and March 13. CBS News coverage.
In the first crime involving the pair, the suspects got into a heated argument with a 38-year-old driver, then slapped him and fled with his cell phone, police said.
The next day, the suspects targeted another driver, pressing a sharp object against his back and demanding he hand over his cell phone, police said.
In another incident, a suspect snatched a cell phone from a driver’s hand, and in another incident, a suspect ripped a cell phone from an attachment attached to a car’s air vent.
All seven victims were identified as male drivers between the ages of 37 and 68, and none were seriously injured in the robbery.
The incident comes a month after police said at least three suspects were wanted for allegedly masterminding 24 robberies targeting rideshare drivers.
In these incidents, the suspects are also suspected of snatching the drivers’ mobile phones after requesting a change of destination.
Police said the thieves then used the phone to transfer money to an unknown bank account.
The scheme netted the suspects more than $30,000 between July 4, 2022 and January 7, 2024.
It remains unclear whether the new duo is related to these suspects.
Anyone with information on the latest incidents is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also send tips to her on Twitter @NYPDTips.
