A shocking incident has left a Brooklyn family shaken after a man riding a moped reportedly snatched a $1,300 gold chain right off the neck of a 5-year-old boy in broad daylight, sources said.
The terrifying moment unfolded around 5:15 p.m. on Friday near the intersection of Avenue U and East 12th Street in the Homecrest neighborhood of Brooklyn.
The little boy was walking with his mother when a man on a black and red moped drove past them and suddenly reached for the boy’s neck, ripping off the chain before speeding away.
The sudden robbery happened so fast that the boy’s mother could hardly react before the thief disappeared. According to police sources, the suspect targeted the child directly and managed to take off with the jewelry without causing physical injury. However, the emotional trauma has left the child and his family deeply disturbed.
Surveillance footage from a nearby location reportedly captured the suspect on his moped moments before and after the snatching. In the video, the man is seen approaching the area on his two-wheeler and then fleeing just seconds later.
He was reportedly wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans, and his face was partially covered, making identification more difficult.
Neighbors in the area were shocked to hear about the robbery, especially given that the victim was a young child. Many expressed concern over how unsafe even a simple evening walk can be in the city these days.
Some residents said they are now scared to let their kids wear anything valuable outside, even in their own neighborhood.
Police confirmed that the value of the chain was approximately $1,300 and have classified the case as grand larceny. No arrests have been made so far, but the NYPD is actively investigating the case and reviewing surveillance footage in hopes of identifying the suspect.
Officials are urging anyone with information related to the incident or the suspect to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers. The tip line is open to the public, and all calls are kept confidential. A reward may be available for any tip that leads to an arrest.
As the summer approaches and more families spend time outside, police are advising parents to be extra cautious, especially when children are wearing anything expensive.
Jewelry, smartphones, and other valuables can make people, especially kids, easy targets for criminals looking for a quick grab-and-run opportunity.
This incident is part of a growing number of thefts involving mopeds and scooters across New York City. In recent months, there has been a noticeable rise in crimes where suspects use mopeds to quickly escape from crime scenes.
These vehicles allow thieves to weave through traffic and escape before police can respond. The NYPD has previously warned residents about this pattern and said they are working to crack down on illegal moped activity in the city.
The child’s family has not publicly spoken about the incident, but according to sources, the boy is still shaken and afraid to go back outside. The mother is hoping for justice and wants the thief caught before he targets anyone else.
Residents of the area are calling for better street patrols and quicker police response in the neighborhood, saying it’s not the first time such crimes have happened, but it is one of the most disturbing. Community leaders are also expected to meet with local police to discuss safety measures going forward.
As the NYPD continues to search for the moped-riding suspect, families across the city are being reminded that staying alert and cautious can help prevent similar crimes.
In this case, a moment of joy turned into a frightening memory — and now, one young child has learned a harsh lesson about safety far too early.