The 104th Precinct of the NYPD is actively pursuing a suspect who carried out a series of break-ins in Ridgewood on Wednesday, June 17. The audacious burglar struck three separate residences within hours, leaving a trail of forced entries and stolen items.
The morning began with two apartment break-ins near the intersection of 70th Street and Central Avenue. The suspect, captured on surveillance footage, first targeted a first-floor apartment by breaking a window screen. Finding nothing of value, he fled empty-handed. Shortly after, he struck again, this time breaking into a second-floor apartment and making off with various personal items.
The burglar’s midday strike
After a brief hiatus, the suspect resurfaced near 72nd Street and Central Avenue. Surveillance cameras captured him entering a residential property through a gate, smoking a cigarette and taking a cellphone call before breaking a rear basement window. Inside, he stole jewelry before departing the scene.
Remarkably, the burglar changed his attire—switching from a distinctive polo shirt to a black long-sleeved shirt over a black T-shirt, black shorts, and black sneakers—before targeting a private home that afternoon on the same block as his earlier break-ins.
Describing the suspect
The NYPD has released surveillance images of the suspect, describing him as having a light complexion with black hair and a salt-and-pepper beard and mustache. His changing wardrobe has added a layer of complexity to the investigation, with authorities urging the public to come forward with any information.
A reward of up to $3,500 is being offered for information that leads to his arrest and indictment. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish speakers, 888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online at or via X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are strictly confidential.
Burglary trends in Ridgewood
As of July 5 the 104th Precinct has reported 81 burglaries in 2026 marking a slight decrease from the 85 burglaries reported at the same time last year. This represents a 4.7% decline according to the latest CompStat report.
The NYPD remains committed to ensuring the safety of Ridgewood residents and is actively pursuing all leads in this ongoing investigation. The community’s vigilance and cooperation are crucial in bringing the suspect to justice.
