An April sneaker sale resulted in a brutal beating for the seller.
According to police, the seller made attachments to sell a pair of sneakers valued at approximately $2,300. The suspects are believed to have pulled up to the prearranged meeting location in a white Jeep Grand Cherokee. According to NYPD Crime Stoppers, upon their arrival the two suspects forced the 37-year old seller into a white Dodge Durango outside West 58th Street.
A bulletin posted to Facebook by NYPD Crime Stoppers, inside the vehicle the victim was punched and kicked , as well as had his face cut multiple times with a sharp object. He was also forcibly relived of his wallet and other valubales. The victim/seller was then dumped near West 54th and Avenue of the Americas before escaping eastbound on 54th St.
Police warned residents about robberies that target high end sneakers and other designer merchandise that often use SUVs to quickly move the victims as well as the stolen items. A report was also emplored residents to exercise cautions when making attachments to meet in public to buy or sell pricey items.
Additionally, law enforcement, as well as consumer protection officials have advised that buyers should only be met in busy, well-lit public area , preferably in view of surveillance cameras or near a police station. Another recommendation included bringing a second person and conforming the buyer’s identity before relinquishing any goods. The BBB and local police also strongly suggests sellers policies platforms that offer authentification and protected payment systems and avoid cash-only deals for big purchases.
The police have released stills from surveillance stills and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the assailants.
Individuals with pertinent information germane to this incident are asked to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS, or 1-888-57-PISTA ( Spanish). Tips can be anonymously submitted through the online portal and eligible tips may be eligible for a reward.
