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NYPD ramps up Central Park patrols after violent robberies

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Updated  April 30, 2024 11:42am EDT
Central Park
FOX 5 NY

NYPD update on recent crime in Central Park

The NYPD provided an update Tuesday morning on the recent string of violent robberies reported in Central Park.

NEW YORK CITY - The NYPD says they've significantly increased the number of officers inside Central Park, extended deployment outside the park and also escalated camera surveillance.

The ramp up in patrols comes after four separate incidents were reported between Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon inside the NYC park.

JUMP TO: THURSDAY l FRIDAY l SATURDAY l MONDAY

Officials provided an update Tuesday morning on the recent string of violent robberies.

So far this year, 18 robberies have been reported, with the primary targets appearing to be electronics, officials said.

Thursday evening

  • According to police, a 28-year-old woman was approached by a man just after 7 p.m. who demanded her phone, wallet and sex.

String of robberies in Central Park

Robberies and assaults in Central Park are causing the NYPD to increase patrols. FOX 5 NY's Robert Moses has the details.

  • The suspect then punched her in the face and fled with her phone, police said. She refused medical attention.
  • Kevin Taylor, 32, was arrested and charged with robbery, assault and harassment.

Friday morning

  • According to police, a 41-year-old man was taking pictures just before 6 a.m. when three men approached him, one of whom had a gun.
  • The suspects made off with two of his cell phones, as well as his wallet, police said. They fled on mopeds.
  • The man suffered minor injuries to the face. He was transported to Lenox Hill Hospital in stable condition. There are no arrests.

Friday night

  • According to police, two people approached a 25-year-old man just before 10 p.m. and demanded his phone, police said.

NYPD investigates Central Park unprovoked attacks

Michael Stuhlbarg was the victim of a random attack in Central Park after being hit in the head with a rock. Then, just hours later, another unprovoked attack on the other side of the park after a woman was hit with a hammer. FOX 5 NY’s Briella Tomassetti has the latest.

  • The victim charged after the individuals and tripped and injured his finger.
  • One of them pulled out what appeared to be a firearm and stated give me your phone.
  • Both fled. There are no arrests.

Saturday afternoon

  • According to police, a 46-year-old man had a bag with camera equipment stolen around 1 p.m. near E. 74th St. and East Drive.

Monday morning

  • According to police, a man took the cellphone of a 35-year-old female as she was walking and threw it into Swan Lake.
  • The man fled. There were no reported injuries.
  • Fontaine Moise, 42, was arrested and charged with grand larceny.