Armed trio steals e-bike in Central Park late night

On Thursday night, a 27-year-old man was robbed of his e-bike in Central Park around 11:30 p.m. by three armed individuals. The assailants, described as young males with dark complexions, approached the victim at East 102nd Street and East Drive, brandishing a gun. In addition to the e-bike, they stole the victim's cellphone, backpack, and cash before fleeing the scene. This incident is part of a troubling trend, as robberies in Central Park have increased significantly this year, with a reported 106% rise compared to the same period last year. Authorities have noted that there have been 35 robbery incidents in the park this year, up from 17 during the same timeframe in 2023. The NYPD has linked some of these robberies to a group of migrant youths, with reports indicating that an 11-year-old boy involved in a subway robbery was connected to a series of similar crimes in Central Park. This group, consisting of up to 12 young males, has been implicated in approximately 10 robberies. Despite the alarming rise in crime, as of Friday morning, no arrests had been made in connection with the latest robbery. The police are investigating whether this incident is part of a broader pattern of criminal activity in the area. The increase in robberies has raised concerns among park-goers and local residents about safety in one of New York City's most iconic public spaces. The surge in crime in Central Park reflects broader issues of youth crime and safety in urban environments, prompting discussions about the need for increased police presence and community engagement to address these challenges.