by NEW YORK —
Police are searching for three suspects who they say severely beat and robbed a man of his bicycle in broad daylight at Prospect Park this week.
The victim, a 28-year-old man, was in critical but stable condition at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn, following the attack Monday evening, the NYPD said Thursday as they released images of the suspects.
The victim was riding his bicycle on the bike path on the south side of the park, near Parkside and Ocean avenues, around 6:30 p.m. when the three suspects ganged up on him, police said.
Video posted to social media, which matches images released by police, appears to show the victim on the ground and surrounded by the group, who were reportedly blocking the bike lane with sticks just before the unprovoked attack.
They punched him throughout his body and stole his bicycle, police said.
One suspect fled on the bike, while the other two ran off on foot, according to cops.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspects punch and kick the man repeatedly, leaving him with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency medical responders treated the victim at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital for further care.
The NYPD has released limited descriptions of the suspects and is reviewing surveillance footage from nearby cameras as part of the ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made as of Friday.
This incident adds to growing concerns over safety in city parks, especially during daytime hours when such crimes are less expected. Local officials have promised increased patrols and community engagement to ensure public spaces remain safe for all.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
