June 5, 2025 LONG ISLAND CITY, Queens – A terrifying series of armed robberies and a dognapping incident have put residents of Long Island City's Court Square neighborhood on edge. Police from the 108th Precinct are actively searching for two armed suspects responsible for a violent crime spree that culminated in the theft of two beloved French Bulldogs from a local condo.
The shocking events unfolded on Saturday, May 31, 2025, on Crane Street, leaving a trail of traumatized victims and heightened community concern.
Violent Abductions and Thefts Mark Beginning of Spree
The crime spree began around 3:20 p.m. when surveillance video captured a white car pulling up to a 27-year-old man opposite 41-25 Crane Street. In a chilling display of deception, the driver exited the vehicle and extended his hand as if in greeting, only to violently pull the victim towards the car. A second suspect, a passenger, emerged from the vehicle, brandishing a firearm and threatening the man as he was forced inside.
Once abducted, the victim was repeatedly punched, sustaining minor injuries. The assailants then forcibly took his iPhone and $800 in cash before releasing him and fleeing in an unknown direction. The victim was later transported to Mount Sinai Queens Hospital in Astoria for medical attention.
Later that same evening, the two men returned to Crane Street. Around 8 p.m., they accosted a 31-year-old man. One suspect produced a handgun while his accomplice unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks. After stealing the victim's iPhone and keys, they again fled. The victim declined medical attention at the scene.
French Bulldogs "Pinky" and "Cookie Monster" Abducted in Condo Burglary
The audacity of the suspects escalated even further around 10 p.m. that night. Returning to Crane Street for a third time, they entered a condo building at the corner of Jackson Avenue. Utilizing the keys stolen from their second victim, they gained entry to his residence.
In a particularly distressing turn, the perpetrators abducted two cherished French Bulldogs: Pinky, a 4-year-old female, and Cookie Monster, a 3-year-old male. Before making their escape, the suspects also stole some of the victim's clothing. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this residential burglary.
NYPD Releases Suspect Descriptions, Urges Public Assistance
The New York City Police Department has released crucial surveillance video of the initial incident and provided detailed descriptions of the two suspects.
One suspect is described as having a light complexion, approximately 20-25 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall, and weighing around 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a red Chicago baseball hat, a black hooded sweatshirt, and a black facemask.
His accomplice is described as having a dark complexion, approximately 25-30 years old, 6 feet tall, and weighing around 220 pounds. He was observed wearing a gray baseball cap, a gray long-sleeved shirt, and black pants.
