November 5, 2025 BRONX, NY For seasoned eyes on the street, a pattern is emerging in the Bronx that should put residents on high alert. Two young women are currently the focus of an active police investigation for allegedly executing a rapid-fire series of violent robberies in the vicinity of Bronx Park South, utilizing a surprisingly potent and non-lethal weapon: pepper spray.

My three decades covering the city’s crime beats have taught me that efficiency often breeds brazenness. In this case, the suspects moved fast, hitting two separate victims within hours of each other this past Wednesday evening and early Thursday morning.

The Timeline of Attacks

Police reports detail a disturbing sequence of events that targeted lone men in the area:

• First Incident (Wednesday Evening): A 26-year-old man was cornered near the intersection of Bryant Avenue and Bronx Park South. Witnesses confirm the suspects allegedly used pepper spray to subdue the victim before making off with his cellphone, cash, and jewelry.
• Second Incident (Early Thursday Morning): The alleged perpetrators shifted tactics, reportedly luring a 25-year-old man via a dating app to Honeywell Avenue. Again, the modus operandi was consistent: the use of pepper spray to neutralize the target, followed by the theft of his cellphone before the suspects fled under the cover of darkness.

The common thread is clear: pepper spray used as a primary tool of intimidation, targeting men in isolated moments. The use of dating apps in the second incident suggests a level of planning and manipulation that demands immediate community awareness.

The NYPD is actively seeking information on the two female suspects connected to these assaults. Anyone who recognizes the pattern or has information relevant to these specific robberies is urged to contact authorities immediately. Crime Alert: Be cautious when meeting strangers arranged through online platforms, especially after dark.