Teens Targeted In Harlem Knifepoint Muggings, 15-YOs Nabbed: NYPD

HARLEM, NY - Two teens were mugged a week apart in Harlem earlier this month, authorities said. Two suspects, also teens, have been charged in connection with the crimes.

In the first incident, a 15-year-old teen was walking near 138th Street and Amsterdam Avenue on Dec. 1 about 1:10 p.m. when he was approached by two men, including one with a knife, police said. The men forcibly took the teen’s belongings and fled the area.

The teen didn’t report any physical injuries as a result of the incident, police said.

A week later on Dec. 9 about 6:30 p.m., another 15-year-old was walking in front of 3505 Broadway near West 143rd Street when he was approached by two men, including one with a knife, police said. The pair then attempted to take the victim’s jacket.

The men also punched and kicked the victim before fleeing the location, police said.

Nearby officers were able to arrest one of the assailants, a 15-year-old boy, at the scene.

The assailant with the knife fled on foot. The victim sustained injuries to his head and arm as a result of this incident, police said.

The knife-wielding 15-year-old was arrested in Harlem and charged with robbery on Wednesday. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information in regard to the incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).