Multiple Knifepoint Robberies On Edge Of UES Monday, Police Say

HARLEM, NY – Just after 6 a.m. Monday, three men – an 18-year-old, a 70-year-old, and a 33-year-old – were robbed at knife point near 97th Street and 1st Avenue, police said.

The alleged thief, Johnathan Casagrande, fled the scene and, in flight, punctured the back of a vehicle with a knife – a 2023 Kia operated by a 24-year-old man – according to authorities.

Casagrande then approached a 41-year-old man near 97th Street and 2nd Avenue, police said, where he again brandished a knife, this time attempting to steal a bicycle.

Officers responding to the first incident – the triple robbery – were flagged down regarding the attempted bicycle theft, officials said.

Casagrande was apprehended, positively identified by victims, and charged with two felonies and two misdemeanors, a police spokesperson told Patch.

There were no reported injuries.

Casagrande gave a Randall’s Island homeless shelter as his address, police said.