NYPD Investigating String of Knifepoint Robberies in Queens

Police say one suspect has been tied to 18 robberies across five neighborhoods in recent days.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:05pm

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An extreme close-up of a knife blade against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A recent wave of knifepoint robberies in Queens has left residents on edge and police searching for a suspect.Queens Today

The NYPD is investigating a series of 19 knifepoint robberies that have occurred in several Queens neighborhoods over the past few weeks. Surveillance footage captured one of the latest incidents, showing a suspect on a motorcycle approaching a victim, pulling out a knife, and stealing their belongings before speeding off. Police believe the same individual may be responsible for many of the robberies, which have targeted victims ranging from 18 to 56 years old, mostly women, and have resulted in the theft of jewelry, cash, wallets, and phones.

Why it matters

These robberies have caused significant concern among Queens residents, as the suspect has been targeting people on quiet residential streets where they may let their guard down. The use of a knife in these crimes also raises public safety issues, and the NYPD is working to apprehend the suspect and prevent further incidents.

The details

According to the NYPD, the suspect has been linked to 18 robberies across five Queens neighborhoods: East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Corona, Woodside, and Jackson Heights. Most of the incidents took place on quiet residential streets, and the victims range in age from 18 to 56 years old, with the majority being women. The robberies typically involved the theft of jewelry, cash, wallets, and phones, and the suspect often used a knife during the crimes.

  • The robberies have occurred in recent days, with the latest incident captured on surveillance video on March 30, 2026 around 11:30 p.m.

The players

NYPD

The New York City Police Department, which is investigating the string of knifepoint robberies in Queens.

Victim

A 19-year-old woman who was robbed at knifepoint while walking home in Woodside, Queens on March 30, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I thought he was waiting for someone to come out and pick up their food. Then the man got off the motorcycle and lunged at me with a knife.”

— Victim

“The knife was like one of the ones they use in restaurants.”

— Victim

What’s next

Police have asked anyone with information about these crimes to contact investigators, as they work to apprehend the suspect and prevent further incidents.

The takeaway

These knifepoint robberies in Queens have raised significant public safety concerns, as the suspect has been targeting victims on quiet residential streets and using a knife to steal their belongings. The NYPD is actively investigating the crimes and urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify and apprehend the suspect.