A man trying to sell his car through Facebook Marketplace was robbed of the vehicle at knifepoint when he showed up to meet the buyer in Queens — just days before an off-duty NYPD cop was shot during a similar scam.
Police do not believe the earlier incident is linked to Saturday’s shooting of the 26-year-old officer in Brooklyn, though the knifepoint mugging illustrates the dangers of selling big-ticket items to strangers.
The Queens robbery happened on Jan. 27 near Newtown Road and 41st St. in Astoria, cops said. The 24-year-old victim agreed to meet with a buyer at 8 p.m. after connecting on Facebook.
Bu when the victim arrived his would-be customer pulled a knife and demanded the vehicle’s title, police said.
The crook then drove off in the victim’s vehicle. About 20 minutes later cops tried to stop the stolen vehicle on Astoria Blvd. but the driver sped off.
Cops found the car abandoned on Forest Parkway near 86th Road in Woodhaven. Surveillance video showed a second man getting out of the stolen ride.
Cops released surveillance images of the two suspects Sunday and asked the public’s help identifying them and tracking them down.
One is described as in his 20s, about 5-foot-6 and 160 pounds with a dark complexion and brown eyes. He was wearing a black bubble jacket, black knit hat, black face mask and gray hoodie.
The second suspect is described as having a slim build and dark complexion and was wearing a dark-colored baseball hat, gray sweatshirt, blue sweatpants and black sneakers.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
Police are also still hunting for the robber who shot the off-duty cop on Ruby St. near Linden Blvd. in East New York Saturday. The officer and his brother went to the scene to buy a Honda Pilot off Facebook for $20,000 but found themselves facing a gun-toting mugger instead, police sources said.
The officer remained in critical condition Sunday.
