February 14, 2026 NEW YORK, NY There’s a specific kind of shadow hanging over West 158th Street and Broadway right now, and it’s not from the pre-war architecture. It’s the kind of chill that comes when you realize the same stretch of pavement has become a hunting ground for two of the city’s most cold-blooded predators.
In the span of just one week, this Washington Heights corner has seen two men hospitalized or beaten senseless for nothing more than the contents of their pockets. The NYPD has released images of the suspects, and the details of these attacks suggest we aren't dealing with mere pickpockets—we’re dealing with brutes.
The 1:15 A.M. Ambush: The Baseball Bat Attack
On January 25, a 26-year-old man was walking home, likely thinking about nothing more than getting out of the cold. He never saw the swing coming.
Police say one of the suspects produced a baseball bat and didn't just threaten the victim—he unleashed a "repeated" barrage of strikes to the man’s head. The victim was knocked unconscious on the sidewalk. While he lay senseless, the pair stripped him of $2,000 in cash and his phone before vanishing into a black sedan.
The victim woke up in a hospital bed at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. He survived, but the psychological scars of a blindside beating like that don't heal as fast as stitches.
Lightning Strikes Twice: The Pistol-Whipping
Exactly seven days later, the duo returned to their favorite haunt. At 4:14 a.m. on February 1, a 43-year-old man became their next target at the very same location.
This time, the escalation was even more terrifying. One of the muggers pulled a firearm, using it to pistol-whip the man across the face. As he hit the ground, the pair "rained blows" with their fists and boots. They walked away with:
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$2,600 in jewelry
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$3,000 in cold hard cash
Have You Seen These Faces?
The 33rd Precinct is looking for two males with medium complexions. If you’re walking the Heights, keep your eyes peeled for:
