Police swarm Hell’s Kitchen after robbery – two suspects arrested after foot chase

Hell’s Kitchen’s crowded sidewalks, filled with residents enjoying the 80-degree summer heat, quickly cleared as police pursued them after a broad daylight robbery. Police officers tackled two suspects to the ground on 9th Avenue.

The New York Police Department flooded the area with officers and squad cars Wednesday evening after receiving reports of a robbery at W55th Street and 8th Avenue.

Authorities responded after a 911 caller reported his wallet and headphones were stolen around 5:40 p.m. The complainant provided a description of the suspects, noting that they fled on bicycles. Officers immediately called for help with a foot pursuit.

During the pursuit, police worked with the complainant to locate the stolen electronic items using a digital tracker. At one point, the device’s signal was detected at 728 9th Avenue, between W49th and W50th streets.

Although initial reports on Citizen mentioned a gun, police did not confirm the presence of a weapon in their report.

From the scene of the arrests, it was apparent that the suspects had abandoned their bicycles and were heading west on foot along W51st Street toward 9th Avenue. Police arrested one suspect outside Arriba Arriba and another was arrested by officers outside McCoys, a few doors down on 9th Avenue toward W52nd Street.

More than 20 police officers were involved in the chase and several police cars responded to the scene from all directions, some even traveling the wrong way on the super sidewalk.

A police spokesperson said this evening that two persons of interest had been arrested in connection with the theft.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.