16 September 2023, USA, New York: People spend Saturday in Central Park in Manhattan. Photo: Michael Kappeler/dpa/Sipa USA
USA: New York City
(New York, NY) — There were three violent muggings in Central Park over the weekend. In one of the robberies, a 42-year-old man was held at gunpoint by three masked men near East 59th Street and East Drive. The hold up took place around 6 a.m. The muggers took the victim’s phone and wallet. They only walked away after punching the 52-year-old in the face. Police say they have a good description of the wanted men, but have made no arrests.
A 25-year says two gunmen tried to take his phone this weekend too, but he was able to walk away without giving them anything. Ashikur Chowdury says two masked men showed him they had guns as they asked him to give over his phone and money. Chowdury, who had just finished watching the sun set over the Great Lawn dared his attackers to shoot him. They did not. Moments later a bicyclist rolled up and the muggers raced off.
Chowdury now says it was incredibly stupid to challenge his attackers to shoot him. He says he should have handed over everything to them right away. He warned other New Yorkers not to mess around when someone points a gun at them. He says he was just lucky.
