HARLEM ITCH? Cops Looking For Gunmen Who Raided Home for Allergy Meds
By Staff Reporter
Manhattan Voice
May 19, 2026
NEW YORK, NY - Cops are trying to untangle a home invasion mystery. Why did three gunmen storm into a Harlem apartment to steal allergy medication?
The New York City Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying three suspects wanted in connection with a violent home invasion robbery in Manhattan’s 26th Precinct earlier this month.
According to police, the incident happened on May 17, 2026, at approximately 3:35 p.m. inside a residential building located on Old Broadway between West 131st Street and West 133rd Street in Harlem.
Investigators say two men, ages 24 and 21, were inside their apartment when three unidentified individuals knocked on the door. When the victims answered, the suspects allegedly displayed a firearm and forced their way into the residence.
Police say the suspects stole bottles of promethazine before fleeing the scene on foot. Authorities have not yet released descriptions of the individuals, but surveillance images and attached media are being circulated as part of the ongoing investigation.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the Manhattan home invasion robbery, though residents in the neighborhood say the incident has raised concerns about apartment safety and daytime robberies in Upper Manhattan residential buildings.
Investigators would not comment on the motive for the armed robbery however, promethazine can be used as a sedative and can drowsiness. Officials say when combined with opioids like codeine cough syrup (“lean” or “purple drank”), it has been misused recreationally because it can intensify sedating effects.
It is unclear at this time if the medication was stolen for street drug use.
The NYPD is continuing to investigate the armed robbery in Harlem and is urging anyone with information regarding the suspects’ identities or whereabouts to come forward.
Home invasion robberies in New York City remain a serious concern for both residents and law enforcement, particularly incidents involving firearms and forced entry into occupied apartments. The latest case in the 26 Precinct highlights growing fears among tenants living in residential buildings throughout Manhattan.
Law enforcement officials have not confirmed whether the suspects knew the victims prior to the robbery or whether the apartment was specifically targeted because of the promethazine allegedly stolen during the incident.
Residents near Old Broadway and West 131st Street reported seeing increased police activity following the robbery Sunday afternoon.
After allegedly stealing the promethazine bottles, the three suspects fled the area on foot in an unknown direction, according to investigators. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby buildings and businesses in hopes of identifying the individuals involved.
The NYPD is encouraging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity near Old Broadway between West 131st and West 133rd Streets on May 17 to contact police.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on X @NYPDTips.
All calls are confidential.
Comments
Post a Comment