A horrifying incident unfolded in Queens this week when a man armed with a blade attempted to kidnap a 2-year-old girl, threatening the child’s mother with violence if she did not comply. The suspect, identified as Peter Vonderhofen, 32, approached the 31-year-old woman on his bicycle near Atlantic Avenue and 109th Street in South Richmond Hill. He brandished a knife and menacingly told the mother, “give me your baby or I’ll stab you,” before quickly fleeing the scene. Thankfully, neither the mother nor her child were harmed, and Vonderhofen was apprehended by police approximately 30 minutes later.
Following his arrest, authorities linked Vonderhofen to two separate armed robberies that occurred near the same intersection less than 24 hours apart. In the first incident, he allegedly stole a 44-year-old woman’s purse at knifepoint and made off with its contents around 9:45 p.m. on October 2nd. The following day, at approximately 8:35 p.m., Vonderhofen targeted a 49-year-old man, forcibly taking his cellphone while brandishing a knife.
Both robberies took place at the same location, leading investigators to connect the crimes to the same perpetrator. Vonderhofen was subsequently charged with first-degree robbery for each offense, in addition to charges of second-degree attempted kidnapping, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, acting in a manner injurious to a child under 17, and menacing in the second degree.
The swift actions of law enforcement in capturing Vonderhofen likely prevented further harm to innocent individuals in the Richmond Hill area. This disturbing incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in our communities and the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared to protect ourselves and our loved ones from potential threats.
