Police in New York City have released images and are seeking the public's help in locating a man accused of punching a 67-year-old employee at a Gulf gas station in South Richmond Hill, Queens. The attack, which left the victim with facial swelling and pain, occurred during a morning shift on Sept. 2, according to the New York Police Department.
What police say happened
Members of the NYPD's 102nd Precinct reported the incident took place just after 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, in front of the business at 134-35 101st Avenue. The station employee was assisting a younger man when an argument reportedly broke out and escalated into violence.
Police say the suspect struck the 67-year-old with a closed fist twice, causing immediate swelling to the victim's face. Emergency medical services treated the man at the scene for what were described as minor injuries.
Suspect description and getaway
The alleged attacker is shown in surveillance photographs released by police. After the assault, the suspect got into a dark-coloured Mazda and fled westbound on 101st Avenue toward Lefferts Boulevard. As of the NYPD release, the driver remained at large.
All calls and messages are strictly confidential.
Authorities did not provide a subject description in the initial release, but they did publicize images of both the person of interest and the vehicle in hopes that someone will identify them.
How to provide information
The NYPD is offering a reward of up to $3,500 for information that leads to the suspect's arrest and indictment. Investigators have asked anyone with details to contact the department through several channels.
- Call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline: 800-577-TIPS (8477)
- For Spanish: 888-57-PISTA (74782)
- Submit tips online: crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or via X @NYPDTips
Context from the 102nd Precinct
Police public safety statistics included in the notice show an uptick in felony assaults for the precinct so far this year. Through Sept. 13, the precinct reported 231 felony assaults in 2026, compared with 219 at the same point a year earlier — an increase of 5.5%, according to the most recent CompStat data cited by police.
| Year | Felony assaults to Sept. 13 |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 231 |
| 2025 | 219 |
For residents of Richmond Hill, Ontario, the incident is a reminder that neighbourhoods sharing the same name can face very different safety profiles and policing challenges. While this attack occurred in Queens, the NYPD's public appeal underscores how surveillance footage, community tips and offered rewards are often central to resolving street-level assaults.
Investigations such as this tend to depend on timely information from witnesses. The NYPD has indicated it will accept confidential tips and will pursue leads that could identify the Mazda and the person shown in the photographs.
Anyone with information about the assault is asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline or submit a tip online as soon as possible.
