NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Police are investigating two robberies in Morningside park just days before the murder of Barnard student Tessa Majors.
On December 2, while inside the dog park at Morningside Park at 114th Street and Morningside Ave, just before 5 p.m., police say a 25-year-old man was was approached by one suspect who was attempting to open a pocket knife.
The victim punched the male in the face and proceeded to run, but fell down a set of stairs attempting to get away. The male fled the park in unknown direction with no property and the victim walked to an area hospital to be treated for minor injuries caused by the fall.Shortly after, at approximately 5:15 p.m., in front of 353 West 118th Street, a 39-year-old man was making a delivery when he was approached by two suspects displaying a knife and simulating a firearm.
The men threatened to shoot the victim and proceeded to take $60, a cell phone and the victim's scooter before fleeing in unknown direction.
The victim was not injured as a result of this incident.Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477.
Police say these robberies are not connected Majors' death.But guard booths near the stairs may be a reasons the victims run in that direction. The boohts are located at 116th Street and 122nd Street, and will now be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, according to Columbia officilas.More lighting and additional officers to patrol the park are planned.