NYPD blames migrant crew, including 11-year-old, for Central Park crime surge
CENTRAL PARK - The NYPD is now blaming a migrant crew for the surge in crime in New York City's Central Park.
One of the migrants is as young as 11 years old.
After three separate robbery attacks, the NYPD is deploying additional officers in an effort to curb crime. The NYPD says it is now deploying an extra 40 police officers to patrol Central Park every day from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
"We’re not going to tolerate crimes in one of the most iconic locations in the world," said NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard.
The 11-year-old was just arrested and is connected to what the NYPD calls a "larger young migrant robbery pattern in Central Park".
RELATED: Central Park crime on the rise, 3 robberies in less than 24 hours
"First message is we gotta keep this park safe. For a long time now, we are going to have cops out here, so people see us," NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said. "Crime is up in this park because of robberies."
FOX News reports police have linked around 10 robberies that have taken place inside or along the southern end of the park to a group of up to 12 migrant boys or young men, the NYPD said at a press conference on Wednesday in front of the green space where law enforcement announced dozens of police officers would be deployed to the tourist hotspot to counter the alarming rise.
Wednesday morning
Police sources said a man in his 30s pushed an 82-year-old woman Wednesday morning in Central Park by the tennis courts. It happened at approximately 10:17 a.m.
The man pushed her and said "you shouldn't be here," police sources said.
The man then fled the scene. Police sources said she had minor injuries to her knees, nose, and elbows.
She was treated by EMS.
Tuesday night
According to police, two male suspects approached a pair of 20-year-old men, struck up a conversation and then robbed them.
It happened at West 62nd Street and West Drive before 10:45 p.m.
The suspects didn't display any weapons, but were able to get away with a chain and a vape pen. The victims were not injured.
No arrests have been made.
On Thursday, the NYPD released the photos of the two suspects.
The first suspect is a man with a slim build. He was last seen wearing a black tank top, ripped jeans, white sneakers, and a red and white baseball cap.
The second suspect is a man who also has a slim build. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black ripped jeans, dark-colored crocs, and a black baseball cap.
Tuesday morning
Around 1 a.m., three different people were robbed just outside the entrance to the park at 5th Avenue and 59th Street.
Police say the 15, 21 and 35-year-old victims were approached by a group of male suspects, one of whom claimed to have a gun and pointed to his waistband.
The suspects allegedly took off with a pair of Apple AirPods and a chain necklace, but police eventually caught up with them.
Three teens – ages 14,16, and 17 – were taken into custody, while one remains on the loose. None of the victims were injured.
NYC crime statistics
While that may be the case citywide, NYPD crime statistics show major crime is up by 46% in Central Park so far this year compared to the same time last year. Robberies, in the meantime, have surged by 200%.
In the nearby Midtown North Precinct, overall crime has risen by 10%, and robberies by 87%.
According to NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell, crime in Central Park has seen a significant uptick this year, with robberies leading the charge.
"There is no secrets being kept here, crime is up in this park on the year. Specifically, robberies are the name of the game here," Chell said. "At this point, we're ready to call it. This is a migrant robbery pattern."
The duration of the increased patrols and their impact on crime rates remain to be seen. The NYPD is urging anyone who can identify suspects involved in the recent robberies to contact the police.
FOX News contributed to this report.