Queens currency exchange rendezvous goes wrong when attempted robber pulls gun on man carrying $20K

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — A man met up with a suspect in Queens early Friday morning intending to exchange a large sum of money for international currency, but the scheme was revealed when the would-be robber threatened the victim with a gun.

A 53-year-old man met with a stranger near Northern Boulevard and 150th Street in the Murray Hill neighborhood in Queens at 3 a.m. on Friday to exchange $20,000 for Chinese currency.

The suspect approached the victim carrying a large black bag and pulled out a gun.

He pointed the gun at the victim, who ran off into a secure location. The 53-year-old was uninjured during the incident.

The failed robber fled on foot, and police released photos of a suspect wanted in connection to the attempted robbery on Sunday.

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