Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Man Posing as Police Officer Robs Livery Cab Drivers in Queens, NYPD Says

By Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska | February 12, 2015 11:47am
 Police released a photo of a man they want to question in a recent string of robberies in Southeast Queens. 
Police released a photo of a man they want to question in a recent string of robberies in Southeast Queens. 
View Full Caption
NYPD

QUEENS — The NYPD is hunting for a man they say poses as a police officer before robbing livery cab drivers at gunpoint in southeast Queens.

The suspect has robbed at least seven drivers since Jan. 28, after they picked him up at JFK Airport and locations in downtown Jamaica, police and sources said. 

In each incident, the suspect claimed to be a police officer and whipped out a silver gun before demanding money and other valuables, police said. 

In total, he stole nearly $1,000, as well as a GPS device, a Samsung cellphone, a credit card and an iPhone, officials said.

In three instances, the robber also stole the car, sources said. 

Sources said the first incident took place on Jan. 28, while the most recent one occurred on Monday.

Police Impersonation Robbery Pattern in Southeast Queens
View Full Caption
NYPD

The robber has struck at night and in early morning, between 7:20 p.m. and 5:20 a.m., police said.

In at least two cases he had an accomplice, sources said.

Police said they are seeking to question a man whom they identified as Jamel Hanley in connection with the robberies. They also sent out a wanted poster offering a $2,000 reward for tips that help solve the case.

The robber, police said, asked the drivers to take him to various locations throughout southeast Queens, including Laurelton and South Jamaica, before robbing them, police said.

In at least two instances, the robbery took place at the intersection of 226th Street and 147th Avenue in Springfield Gardens, according to the NYPD.

Sources said the suspect targets only livery cabs, not regular taxis.

No one was injured in the incidents, police said.

Police described the suspect as being in his 30s, standing approximately 5-foot-10 and weighing about 160 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS.