Queens Local News: Queens Ride Share Robbery: Suspects Steal Driver’s Phone, Charge $7,500 to Apple Wallet, Rose Tattoo Caught on Video

Ride share robbers in Queens stole a driver’s phone and rang up $7,500 in Apple Wallet charges. NYPD says a rose tattoo may identify suspects.

By Dan Gesslein 

Queens Voice 

December 19, 2025

QUEENS LOCAL NEWS - A routine ride share trip in southeast Queens turned into an expensive nightmare for a driver after two masked passengers allegedly stole his cellphone and used it to rack up nearly $7,500 in unauthorized Apple Wallet charges, according to the NYPD.

Now, police say a distinctive rose tattoo caught on video could be the key to identifying the suspects.

Ride Share Driver Robbed in Springfield Gardens

The incident happened on December 15 at around 10 p.m. in Springfield Gardens, near the intersection of 144th Avenue and 167th Street, police said.

Investigators say the two suspects were riding as passengers in a ride share vehicle. As the car approached the intersection, one of the men asked the driver to change the destination. While the driver was distracted responding, the second passenger allegedly tried to grab the driver’s cellphone.

When the driver realized what was happening, a struggle broke out inside the vehicle. Police say the suspects managed to yank the phone away before jumping out of the car.

Suspects Flee in Dark SUV

Surveillance video from inside the vehicle captured the incident and the suspects’ escape. After stealing the phone, the two men reportedly piled into a nearly black SUV and sped off.

The NYPD recently released the footage to the public in hopes of generating tips. While both suspects wore face masks and hats to conceal their identities, investigators say one major detail stands out.

Rose Tattoo Clearly Visible on Video

In the video, one suspect can be seen holding a phone, revealing a large rose tattoo across the back of his right hand. Police believe the tattoo is distinctive enough that someone may recognize it.

Both suspects are described as males with medium complexions wearing light-colored winter puffy jackets. The suspect with the rose tattoo wore a knitted winter cap, while the second suspect wore a flat cap, possibly tweed, according to police.

Nearly $9,000 in Total Losses

After the robbery, the driver discovered his Apple Wallet account had been drained, with approximately $7,473 in unauthorized charges made using the stolen phone.

The phone itself is valued at about $1,500, bringing the total loss from the ride share robbery to nearly $9,000, police said.

NYPD Asks Public for Help

The NYPD is asking anyone who recognizes the suspects — particularly the man with the rose hand tattoo — to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish speakers can call 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers website or on X @NYPDTips.

Police emphasize that all tips are strictly confidential.