2 wanted for Central Park mugging as NYPD surges resources to combat juvenile robbery crew

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – The NYPD released new images Thursday of two suspects wanted for a mugging in Central Park this week, as the department surges officers to the park amid an increase in robberies.

The pair is suspected of robbing two men, both 20 years old, at West 62nd Street and West Drive around 10:40 p.m. Tuesday.

One victim was robbed of three necklaces, while the other had his hat and vape pen stolen, police said.

The suspects fled on foot on West Drive towards Columbus Circle, according to police.

The teen duo may be linked to a “migrant robbery pattern” that the NYPD mentioned during a news conference Wednesday.

NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said the pattern involves roughly 10 recent robberies on the southern end of the park between 59th and 65th streets.

The suspects are kids and teens who travel in groups of eight to 12 people and mug victims using their sheer numbers. Many of the victims have been tourists, according to police.

“That’s what we’re combating,” Chell said of the juvenile robbery crew. “We think they’re responsible for most of them, if not all of them.”

One suspect arrested Wednesday is a migrant who’s just 11 years old, the chief said.

The surge in police resources to the park includes increased patrols of officers on foot, bikes and horses, as well as the use of drones, which the NYPD said provide a better view of the over-800-acre park. They’re operating out of a new command post at Central Park South and Seventh Avenue.

As of Aug. 11, robberies in the Central Park Precinct are up 200%, and overall major crimes are up 46% when compared to the same time in 2023, according to the most recent NYPD data .

Addressing the park muggings with reporters on Tuesday, Mayor Eric Adams said there’s “some new technology that we’re looking at” to help police the park, though he didn't elaborate.

“When something happens in Central Park, it becomes a huge international story,” the mayor said. “So we’re on top of it.”

In a statement Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Central Park Conservancy, which manages the park, said: “The Central Park Conservancy is encouraged by NYPD’s expanded presence in the Park. We want New Yorkers and visitors to continue feeling safe and protected inside this beloved public space that the Conservancy cares for every day of the year.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.