A thief who bargains with his victims over their property is being sought after by police in New York City.
The male suspect has been coined the “Haggler after Midnight” by police after nearly a dozen reported robberies in Brooklyn and Queens where he “negotiates with his victims,” the New York Police Department announced in a news release.
“A robber has struck multiple times in Brooklyn and Queens, targeting people as they return home,” the NYPD wrote on Instagram, citing NBC 4 New York for more details on the case.
The outlet stated in a video accompanying the release that police said the suspect is armed with a knife and getting “more violent with each attack.” He also has specific targets of Hispanic males aged 20— 40, all returning home after their afternoon shifts at work.
Deputy Chief John Mastronardi told NBC 4 New York, “All the victims are Hispanic males. And what we have is one male, often on a moped, targeting hispanic males after midnight.” He added that the robber was also seen on a “black and blue motorized scooter” and a bicycle.
NYPD Crime stoppers
‘Haggler after Midnight’
“He asked [one victim] if he was a construction worker, which we find very odd,” Mastronardi continued. “in the last incident, the male approached one of our victims and put a knife to his throat, removing his property.”
Surveillance footage obtained by NBC 4 New York shows the suspect to be a white male, wearing a black hooded jacket with a white logo at the chest and a black balaclava.
Police have reported 11 robberies over the last couple of months and shared that the suspect “negotiates with his victims in English and Spanish.” The NYPD’s Crimes Against Persons detectives unit is investigating the case.
“The emotional trauma, the fear that it creates and it’s just innocent individuals going home from work, being targeted, more bracing more bold,” Mastronardi said, per NBC 4 new York.
Related: N.Y.C. Woman Fatally Shot in the Head in Front of Her Son as Her Husband Was Being Robbed
“He’s got a strange [motive] definitely, haggling with his victims … so often [in these cases] the victim produces a property that they’re going to give up. [The suspect] often says, ‘No, no, I don’t want that, I want that.’ So he’ll choose,” he explained.
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|——————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Suspect Nickname | “Haggler after Midnight” |
| Targeted Items | Cash and electronics |
| Current Status | Active manhunt with an award offered for information leading to arrest |
| Source | People |
The case of the “Haggler after Midnight” highlights the evolving tactics of criminals and the challenges faced by law enforcement. As the investigation continues, the public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. For more in-depth coverage, read the original article on People.
The “haggler After Midnight”: Criminal Tactics and Law Enforcement Challenges
In the wake of a series of robberies in New York city, a unique criminal has emerged: the “Haggler After Midnight.” This suspect, armed with a knife, targets hispanic males aged 20–40, negotiating with victims over their property. the NYPD is intensively investigating these cases, urging the public too remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.Join us as senior Editor Mark Johnson of world-today-news.com interviews criminology expert Dr. Amelia Carter to delve into the evolving tactics of criminals and the challenges faced by law enforcement.
The Emergence of the “Haggler After Midnight”
Mark Johnson: Dr. Carter,the “Haggler After Midnight” has been described as a unique criminal. What makes his tactics stand out from typical robbery cases?
Dr. Amelia Carter: This criminal’s approach is highly unusual. Rather of immediate aggression, he engages in negotiation with his victims, attempting to bargain over their property. This not only delays the interaction, potentially leading to more violence, but also creates a psychological manipulation that increases fear and compliance among victims.
Targeting Specific Demographics
Mark Johnson: The suspect is targeting Hispanic males aged 20–40.Why do you think this demographic is being singled out?
Dr. Amelia Carter: Criminals often target specific groups based on perceived vulnerability or predictability. hispanic males returning from work shifts may be seen as having predictable routines and potentially carrying cash or valuables.This calculated targeting suggests a level of premeditation that makes these crimes notably disturbing.
The Role of Language and Cultural Understanding
Mark Johnson: The suspect negotiates in both English and Spanish. Could this bilingual approach be a strategic advantage for the criminal?
Dr.Amelia Carter: Absolutely.Speaking both languages allows the suspect to engage directly with his victims,bridging cultural and linguistic barriers. This adds another layer of manipulation, creating a false sense of rapport or understanding that may further disarm victims.
Increasing Violence and Law Enforcement’s Response
Mark Johnson: The NYPD has reported that the suspect is becoming more violent with each attack. How does this escalation complicate the investigation?
Dr. Amelia Carter: Escalating violence indicates a growing sense of boldness or desperation, both of which are alarming. Law enforcement must balance public safety with gathering evidence. This requires heightened surveillance, community engagement, and ensuring that victims feel secure enough to report incidents without fear of retaliation.
Public Vigilance and reporting Suspicious Activity
Mark Johnson: The NYPD has encouraged the public to report suspicious activity. How crucial is this in cases like these?
Dr. Amelia Carter: Public vigilance is vital. Criminals often operate in community spaces where residents are the first to notice anomalies. By reporting suspicious behavior, the public become extended partners in law enforcement, providing eyes and ears that officers cannot be everywhere at once.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
Mark johnson: What steps can law enforcement and the public take to combat this type of criminal activity effectively?
Dr. Amelia Carter: Law enforcement needs to continue targeted investigations, leveraging community insights and surveillance technology. Together, public education on reporting mechanisms and safety precautions must be enhanced. A collaborative approach is the key to deterring and ultimately apprehending such criminals.
