By Chriss Williams
19th precinct
The two-stop shoplift hop
Two Upper East Side clothing stores were targeted by the same thief early Monday, Jan. 27. According to police, Eddie Bynum, 35, entered an Athleta located at 1517 3rd Ave. and grabbed $2,228 worth of merchandise—including 18 Ultimate Stash Pocket pants—before running out of the store. Authorities said that Bynum was issued a trespass notice for the location on Jan. 8. Bynum’s shoplifting spree took him two doors down, to a Banana Republic located at 1529 3rd Ave., at about 12:05 p.m.
According to a 35-year-old employee, Bynum said, “my friends got something outside, so don’t try anything.” Feeling threatened, the employee waited until Bynum took merchandise from the shelves and fled the Banana Republic to contact authorities. All merchandise was recovered an hour later when Bynum was arrested on charges of grand larceny and burglary in the 3rd degree.
Elderly man mows down a stranger
An 86-year-old man was arrested Friday, Jan. 24. for running over a pedestrian near 235 East 67th St. at 4:03 p.m. the day before.
Video surveillance footage shows the driver, Jacob Kirman, ignoring the shouts of several bystanders before striking the man and running over his right leg and arm, police said.
According to police, the motive was not immediately understood as the 49-year-old victim was not acquainted with Kirman prior to the incident. The extent of the injuries sustained by the victim are unknown and Kirman was released on his own recognizance after his arraignment but will return to criminal court later this month.
Car ready for theft
A 67-year-old-man’s car was stolen after he left the vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition.
Authorities say that on Friday, Jan. 24, the man parked his gray 1999 Chevy Astro in front of 201 East 74th St. for around ten minutes. The driver turned the engine off but left the car keys in the ignition and the doors unlocked, while visiting a nearby friend inside 203 East 74 Street. Upon his return, the vehicle along with $5,450 worth of items left in the car were gone. Police were able to track the car’s last location to the Willis Bridge. No arrests have been made.
Stolen package
A residence located within the 1700s on 1st Ave. was the site of a morning burglary on Sunday, Jan. 26.
Cops said that a witness observed Robert Pagan, 58, enter the location and take a package addressed to a 29-year-old resident. Pagan allegedly concealed the package in a blue bag, as he walked out of the building. Authorities canvassed the area and arrested Pagan at about 10:52 a.m. for the burglary. According to police, Pagan told arresting officers, “all you got is a Mexican with a camera.” The meaning of the statement is unclear.
20th precinct
A $2 Robbery
A late-night news stand theft turned violent when a witness intervened on Saturday, Jan. 25.
According to police, a 16-year-old allegedly snatched a $2 bottle of Vitamin Water from Sami News, located at the corner of Broadway and West 66 Street. At about 11:23 p.m., the teen attempted to leave the store without paying for the water but was stopped by a 46-year-old bystander, who he allegedly shoved while trying to flee, police said. The young man was arrested shortly after and charges have since been dropped.
Pub robbery
The owner of Dead Poet, a literary-themed Irish pub located at 450 Amsterdam Ave., received a phone call and text message from the bar’s porter early on Saturday, Jan. 25. stating that the bar had been burglarized.
Upon arrival, the owner discovered the front door’s glass smashed and a brick left at the scene. Security cameras show a person forcibly entering the premises at around 6:50 a.m. and taking 15 credit cards left by various patrons. It is unknown whether all the card were active at the time. Police continue to investigate the burglary.
The cart and the child
A 12-year-old child walking down Columbus Ave near West 73 street was bumped by an unknown man pushing a cart Wednesday, Jan. 22 at approx. 10:50 a.m. According to police, the man yelled: “get out of my way” at the young girl. Shortly after the incident, she realized that the purse she was holding was missing which carried her wallet, cash and a gift card. No injuries were sustained. The investigation into the robbery is still ongoing.
Apple phone cam
A resident of 2025 Broadway is the latest victim of a phone scam. On Friday, Jan. 10 at about 11:35 a.m., the 75-year-old woman received a phone call from an unknown man claiming to be an Apple computer representative. The man stated that due to a problem with the woman’s computer, he would have to shut it down unless he received a $1,200 payment in form of eBay gift cards. The woman followed the man’s directions and purchased six gift cards and read their security numbers over the phone to the caller. An investigation is still ongoing.
