A group of gang members, including a 16-year-old boy, was apprehended on Friday for a series of armed robberies that resulted in $100,000 worth of stolen jewelry. The suspects, who are said to be affiliated with the Trinitarios gang, targeted seven victims over a two-week period in the Bronx, causing significant distress and fear in the community.
One particularly disturbing incident captured on video shows an elderly man being held at gunpoint by a masked assailant, forcing him to hand over his jewelry. The victim was so traumatized by the experience that he decided to move out of the neighborhood for his own safety.
The gangsters, known as the BB7 subset of the Trinitarios crew, specifically targeted individuals wearing gold chains, watches, and expensive rings. They would approach their victims with guns drawn, forcibly remove their jewelry, and then gather at Bronx motels to inspect their loot.
Among the victims were a Mott Haven business owner and a man standing outside a nightclub in Fordham Heights. The gang also resorted to blocking victims inside their cars to carry out their robberies.
Fortunately, none of the incidents escalated to shootings, but the brazen nature of the robberies left the community on edge. Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark emphasized the urgency of removing illegal firearms from the streets to prevent further violence.
The arrested suspects, Wilfren Carbuccia, Anthony Perez, and Manuel Rivas, are facing multiple charges, including robbery, grand larceny, and conspiracy. Rivas faces an additional charge for the criminal possession of a firearm. The 16-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, is also implicated in another robbery where he allegedly stole a watch and gold chain at gunpoint.
Carbuccia and the teenager were arraigned, with the latter being held on a $100,000 bail. Perez and Rivas are awaiting their arraignment as the investigation continues. The authorities are working diligently to ensure that justice is served and that the community can feel safe once again.
