New York City has seen a surge in violent chain-snatching incidents involving criminals operating on motorized bikes and e-bikes, according to law enforcement sources and recent reports. Since September, police have documented more than 20 such robberies, with many turning violent, and officials believe the actual number is considerably higher.
These thefts often occur rapidly, with thieves targeting jewelry worn by both civilians and law enforcement officers. Several victims have reported being punched, stabbed, or thrown to the ground during the attacks. One particularly severe case involved Detective Jose Mercedes, who was stabbed multiple times while trying to resist two assailants attempting to steal a necklace given to him by his mother. The suspects, identified as D'Angelo Caraballo and Sneider Mejia, have prior criminal records and are Dominican Republic nationals living illegally in the United States, according to the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They face attempted murder charges following their arrest outside Boston and extradition to New York.
Police sources attribute some of the rise in these crimes to the Trinitarios gang, a violent group originating from Dominican inmates at Rikers Island in the 1990s, which has since expanded its influence in parts of the Bronx and upper Manhattan. The gang reportedly specializes in quick robberies involving pairs on motorized bikes. Some officials express concerns about the city’s sanctuary policies, noting that suspects’ immigration status often prevents collaboration with federal authorities, contributing to a perceived cycle of repeat offenses. Arrested individuals are frequently released quickly by local courts, leading to frustration among victims and community members. Jorge Beltre, who was attacked while walking his young son home in the Bronx, expressed outrage after one of his assailants was released on bail with no apparent efforts to locate the other involved party.
Incidents have occurred across various boroughs, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. An off-duty female NYPD officer was also targeted in Brownsville, Brooklyn, where her gold necklace was taken by a scooter-riding suspect. Victims describe a climate of fear and concern over public safety, with some children even requesting to carry baseball bats for self-defense.
Despite these troubling incidents, the NYPD reports an overall decline in major crime citywide this year, with a 7% reduction across all five boroughs and a 12% decrease in the Bronx. Officials state that chain-snatchings in the northern Bronx have recently decreased following the attempted murder of Detective Mercedes.
Critics have questioned the city’s enforcement policies, especially regarding e-bike regulations. Some allege that Mayor Mamdani’s reluctance to issue summonses to e-bike riders—ostensibly to support gig economy workers—may be enabling criminal activity. Former NYPD detective Michael Alcazar advocates for stricter enforcement of minor violations under the "broken-window" theory, suggesting that curbing small infractions could prevent more serious crimes. He also recommends reinstating plainclothes anti-crime units, disbanded in 2020 amid social unrest, as a proven strategy for addressing crime surges.
Police continue to urge residents to remain vigilant while promising ongoing efforts to address this wave of motorized bike robberies that has unsettled multiple New York City communities.