June 20, 2025 ASTORIA, NY – Police in Astoria are on the hunt for a brazen thief who targeted an R train passenger last month at the Steinway Street subway station, making off with a tote bag before disappearing into the subway tunnel. The suspect remains at large, and authorities are appealing to the public for assistance.

The incident unfolded on the evening of Saturday, May 31, 2025, just before 9 p.m. A 30-year-old man was standing on the southbound platform when an unidentified individual approached him and snatched his tote bag. Without hesitation, the thief leaped onto the track bed and fled southbound through the tunnel.

Fortunately, the victim was unharmed, but his bag contained credit cards and other personal belongings. Investigators from the 114th Precinct and Transit District 20 have released surveillance images of the suspect in hopes that someone will recognize him. He is described as having a medium complexion with dark hair, and was last seen wearing a dark jacket over a blue sweatshirt with white lettering, and blue jeans.

This incident comes as the 114th Precinct reports a slight decline in grand larcenies. As of June 15, 2025, the precinct has seen 409 grand larcenies this year, a 5.3% decrease compared to the 432 reported during the same period in 2024. Despite this positive trend, subway-related crimes remain a concern for commuters and law enforcement.

Do You Have Information?

The NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline is urging anyone with information about this subway theft to come forward. All tips are confidential.

• Call: 1-800-577-TIPS (8477)
• For Spanish: 1-888-57-PISTA (74782)
• Online: crimestoppers.nypdonline.org
• X (formerly Twitter): @NYPDTips

Cops are looking for this suspect who allegedly robbed an R train rider at the Steinway Street station and ran off through the subway tunnel. NYPD