Police seek suspect in 16 Brooklyn, Queens robberies

Authorities are searching for a man they say is responsible for a string of robberies across New York City.

Police believe that August Watkins, 30, has committed 16 robberies in Queens and Brooklyn, primarily targeting businesses such as mini-marts, fast food eateries, gas stations and drug stores, among others.

The first in the series of robberies occurred around 6:40 a.m. on March 26, at the N & K Smart Mart at 79-23 Northern Blvd. and was followed by a pattern of daily robberies, sometimes several per day, in which the suspect allegedly hit small businesses in Queens and Brooklyn, police reported.

In all, the alleged robber has stolen more than $13,000 and $91 worth of cigarettes, according to CBS2.

The most recent crime was on Tuesday, April 5, in Sunnyside, Queens, when the suspect robbed a Subway restaurant at 43-19 Queens Blvd., police stated.

In each robbery, the suspect simulates a firearm before taking cash from the register, according to police, who added that there have been no reported injuries in the crime spree.

Watkins is a Hispanic man who is 30 years old, approximately 6 feet tall and 125 pounds, police said. He was last seen in gray jogging pants and a black jacket.

Anyone with information in regards to 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 theCrime Stoppers websiteor by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.