Crook Pistol Whips Worker, Steals Cell Phones
By Staff Reporter
Queens Voice
April 16, 2026
QUEENS, NY - Cops are looking for a crook who pistol whipped a cell phone store employee and made off with 29 phones and cash.
According to police, the incident happened on Friday, April 10, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m., inside a business located at 96-21 Rockaway Boulevard in the confines of the 106 Precinct.
Authorities say an unidentified man entered the store and quickly turned the situation violent.
Investigators report that the suspect struck a 32-year-old male employee in the head with a firearm shortly after entering the establishment. The sudden and forceful attack allowed the individual to take control of the scene.
After the assault, the suspect allegedly removed approximately $4,000 in cash from the register, along with 29 cellular phones valued at around $21,000.
The suspect then fled the location on foot in an unknown direction, leaving behind an injured employee and a shaken business.
Emergency medical services responded to the scene and treated the victim for head injuries. Fortunately, the victim did not require hospitalization at the time, according to initial reports.
Police describe the individual as a male with a medium complexion and slim build. At the time of the robbery, he was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, a black surgical mask, black sweatpants and black sneakers.
The suspect’s face was partially concealed, which has made identification more challenging.
As the investigation continues, the NYPD is urging anyone with information about this violent commercial robbery in Queens or the identity of the suspect to come forward.
Cases like this rely heavily on community awareness, especially when a suspect flees on foot and blends into the surrounding neighborhood.
Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity near Rockaway Boulevard around the time of the incident, or who recognizes the suspect’s clothing or behavior patterns, is encouraged to contact authorities.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about armed robbery incidents targeting commercial establishments in Queens, particularly during evening hours when businesses may still have significant cash and inventory on hand.
Anyone with information regarding this 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). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on X @NYPDTips.
All calls are confidential.
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