Two New York City men, ages 18 and 19, were arrested this week and face charges after what authorities describe as a wave of armed robberies throughout Manhattan and Mount Vernon. According to federal prosecutors, the duo targeted multiple businesses — including restaurants and a gas station — over a three-week span in November.
Gunpoint Robberies Across Manhattan and Mount Vernon
Between November 10 and November 29, the suspects reportedly committed several robberies at gunpoint. The alleged incidents include: a robbery at a Manhattan restaurant, two restaurant robberies in Mount Vernon, and an armed theft at a Mount Vernon gas station.
Law enforcement agencies say the heists created serious risk to public safety, prompting a coordinated federal response.
Charges Filed — Federal Prosecution Underway
The 19-year-old suspect is charged with conspiracy to commit robbery under the Hobbs Act, four counts of robbery, and three counts of brandishing a firearm — each carrying a mandatory minimum federal sentence.
His 18-year-old accomplice faces similar charges: conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three robbery counts, and two firearm-brandishing charges.
Both were presented in federal court and ordered detained pending trial.
Agencies Join Forces to Halt Robbery Spree
The arrests stem from collaborative work by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD), and the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Investigators credit inter-agency coordination with preventing further violent robberies and ensuring community safety.
Officials have also emphasized their commitment to using robust federal tools to remove dangerous offenders from the streets — especially those who resort to gun violence in public places.
