Robber With Knife Ties Up Family in UWS Brownstone: NYPD

Robber With Knife Ties Up Family in UWS Brownstone: NYPD

A family was tied up by a knife-wielding robber out on parole during a home invasion on the Upper West Side Thursday afternoon, police said. 

Police were called to the building on West 78th Street, between West End Avenue and Riverside Drive around 4 p.m., where a mother, father and adult daughter were somehow tied up, according to the NYPD. 

Police say the suspect apparently was in the building for awhile before invading the family’s apartment. Soon one of the victims was able to free an arm and call 911, the NYPD said. 

As officers approached, they spotted the 30-year-old suspect near the building and began chasing him, then arrested him, police said.

“I just seen police come in with their guns drawn, and they ran inside the building,” said neighbor Dave Chadwick. “I was a little shocked.” 

Chadwick said he heard an older woman screaming for help, “but that was after the cops had already gone inside so I wasn’t sure what was going on.” 

The suspect became violent at the police station, violently resisting officers and spitting in at least one cop’s face, police said. Several officers had minor injuries from the scuffle with the suspect at the station, but they’ll be fine. 

Police believe the suspect had two knives on him. One was recovered at the precinct station; it’s not clear if the knife used during the home invasion was recovered.

“I’m still a little bit shocked,” said Chadwick. “I didn’t want to leave the apartment after that. Just didn’t know if it was safe or not.” 

The suspect had taken cash and other items.  

Police haven’t named the suspect, but said he was on parole for burglary.