A bold pair of thieves targeted a Queens home over the weekend, stealing two French bulldogs along with a significant amount of clothing, the total value estimated at $1,700. The incident occurred in a Long Island City apartment at Crane Street and Jackson Avenue around 10 p.m. on Saturday, while the homeowner was away. After reviewing security footage, the victim discovered the dognappers had entered the apartment, despite it being locked.
The suspects, who were not known to the resident, managed to gain access to the property, although the method of entry remains unclear. Additionally, the same duo engaged in two other criminal activities earlier in the day. In the first incident, which took place at approximately 3:20 p.m., the perpetrators approached a 27-year-old man riding a bike. The thieves, wearing black masks, brandished a gun before physically assaulting the victim, stealing his iPhone and $800.
Later on, around 7 p.m., the same suspects targeted a 31-year-old man at Crane Street, this time showing a firearm and violently attacking the victim. They proceeded to steal the man’s iPhone and house keys before fleeing the scene in a white car. Despite the assault, the victim declined medical attention.
Descriptions of the suspects have been provided by authorities. One suspect is characterized as a man with a light complexion, aged between 20 and 25, standing at approximately 5-foot-8 and weighing about 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a Bulls cap and a black sweater. The other suspect, who has a dark complexion, is believed to be around the same age, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 220 pounds. He was last observed wearing a gray baseball cap and gray sweater.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish speakers. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or via @NYPDTips on social media platforms. The suspects’ spree in Long Island City lasted approximately 6 hours on Saturday, leaving a trail of theft and violence in their wake.
