New York Police Intensify Search for ‘Haggler After Midnight’ Robber
The New York Police Department is hunting a moped-riding, knife-wielding robber whom they have dubbed the “Haggler After Midnight” for his peculiar mugging approach, saying his holdups are getting more brazen and violent.
Profile of a Mugger: The 11 Victims Targeted
Since early November, the suspect has targeted 11 victims in Brooklyn and Queens, generally Hispanic men between 20 and 40 on their way home from work in the wee hours of the morning, police said.
Deputy Chief John Mastronardi, who leads the department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit, shared intriguing insights with WNBC about the suspect’s unusual behavior. “He’s got a strange M.O. – he likes to haggle with his victims, so we call him the ‘Haggler After Midnight,’” he revealed. “Often, if a victim produces property that they intend to surrender, he insists, ‘No, no, no, I don’t want that, I want that.’ It’s as if he’s in a bizarre negotiation over stolen goods.” This strange twist evokes a mix of fear and bewilderment, not just in the victims but within the community itself.
The Bold Tactics of a Nighttime Predator
As the investigation unfolded, it became evident that the robber has a clear preference: cash and electronics. Each incident that started on November 7 features a similar pattern. He approaches victims on a blue or dark-colored motorized scooter, brandishing a knife and demanding their valuables. The choice of nighttime as his hunting ground adds an eerie layer to his calculated approach. It’s a chilling reminder of vulnerability, particularly for those returning home from establishments like the nearby 24-hour taco joint, where late-night workers find solace and sustenance after long hours.
In bizarre exchanges, he engages his victims in conversation, asking innocuous questions to gauge their response. One victim was asked for directions, while another was quizzed about his occupation. The unexpected dialogue combined with the threat of violence creates a cocktail of confusion and tension for those unfortunate enough to cross paths with this robber.
A Turning Point in the Assaults
Most disturbing was the latest incident, which took place on December 10. Mastronardi described it as the mugger’s boldest attack so far. “In the last incident, the male approached one of our victims and put a knife to his throat,” the detective stated, underscoring the grim escalation of this series of robberies. The ominous behavior leaves a lingering fear across the neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Queens, stirring a sense of urgency among officers and locals alike.
Fortunately, none of the victims have sustained injuries during these harrowing encounters. Still, the emotional toll is palpable. Community members anxiously glance over their shoulders while walking home, their minds racing with unsettling thoughts.
Crime Stoppers has stepped in, offering a cash reward to anyone who can provide valuable information that leads to the arrest of this unique criminal. It’s a call to action that resonates deeply within a community who finds its heart racing at the thought of this ‘Haggler After Midnight’ lingering in their midst.
