The New York Police Department is searching for a moped-riding, knife-wielding robber known as the “Haggler After Midnight” who has targeted 11 victims in Brooklyn and Queens since early November. The suspect primarily targets Hispanic men between 20 and 40 who are on their way home from work during the early morning hours. The mugger negotiates with his victims in both English and Spanish, often choosing which belongings to take from them. He has shown a preference for cash and electronics in each of the incidents.
The “Haggler After Midnight” has a unique modus operandi where he approaches his victims on a blue or dark-colored motorized scooter, threatens them with a knife, and steals jewelry, phones, and other valuables. He has been known to ask his victims questions to assess them, such as asking for directions or inquiring about their occupation. While most of the robberies have involved threatening victims with a knife, the suspect has not injured anyone so far.
The most recent attack by the suspect on December 10 was particularly bold, as he held a knife to a victim’s throat during the incident. Despite the escalating violence of the robberies, none of the victims have been harmed. Law enforcement is urging the public to be vigilant and report any information that could help the police capture the suspect. Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information that leads to the apprehension of the “Haggler After Midnight”.
Deputy Chief John Mastronardi of the NYPD’s Crimes Against Persons Unit described the suspect as having a peculiar habit of engaging his victims in negotiation about what items they will give up during a robbery. The suspect often declines certain items offered by the victims, showing a level of selectivity in what he takes. This behavior has earned the mugger the nickname of the “Haggler After Midnight” among law enforcement.
The police are concerned about the escalating violence and brazenness of the suspect and are working diligently to apprehend him before he can target more victims. The string of robberies has put the community on edge, and law enforcement is urging residents to be cautious when traveling during the late-night hours. The suspect’s use of a motorized scooter to quickly approach and flee the crime scenes has made it difficult for authorities to catch him, but they are actively investigating all leads in the case.
As the “Haggler After Midnight” continues to evade capture by law enforcement, the NYPD is seeking the cooperation of the public to provide any information that could lead to his arrest. The safety of the community is their top priority, and they will not rest until the suspect is brought to justice. By offering a cash reward through Crime Stoppers, the police are hoping to incentivize individuals to come forward with any information that could help in identifying and capturing the elusive mugger.
