An Alabama Man In Custody In Connection With Two Armed Robberies In Central Park

New York, NY (77WABC)- Police say 34-year-old Andrew Thornton of Auburn, Alabama faces robbery, weapons, and menacing charges in connection with two gunpoint robberies that occurred in Manhattan’s Central Park. Police say Thornton arrived from out of state, setting up a tent in the  Park. Police say he was equipped with a black bicycle used in two gunpoint robberies  while wearing a distinctive red cap.

In the first incident on Friday, April 30th, a 55-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint of $1,000.  Police say the man first spotted Thornton after he walked into the park at the 72nd Street and Central Park west entrance around 8:25 in the morning. He told police the suspect was sitting on the ground holding a small sign reading “Bike for sale $75.” Thornton asked the man if he would like to buy the bike. The victim said no and he also refused to give the man $5.  Thornton followed the man to a bench near the 72nd Street and 5th Avenue exit where he displayed a black semi-automatic pistol and demanded money. Fearing for his safety the man handed over $1,000, Thorton fled on a black bicycle with the cash.

The second robbery was reported on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at approximately 3:55 in the afternoon. A  67-year-old female victim was walking westbound on the west path near Swan Lake when she was approached by a man riding a black bicycle. Police say Thornton stopped in front of her and brandished a black semi-automatic pistol stating  “I need to take your purse.” The victim asked if she could keep her phone to which Thornton replied “No.” Fearing for her safety, the victim complied and handed over her purse containing two credit cards, an iPhone 10, eye medication, and approximately $200 dollars.

The victim’s cell phone was recovered by police near the scene utilizing the “Find My iPhone” application.

Neither victim was physically injured. 77WABC Correspondent and News Anchor Sara Lee Kessler reports a Precinct Captain says an alert officer nabbed the 34-year-old  Thursday near Strawberry Fields:

Police have charged Thornton with two counts each of Robbery, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and Menacing.