Nov 9, 2009 12:08 am US/Eastern
3 Held Up At Gunpoint In Central Park, 1 Arrest
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Police are seeking suspects in a brazen Central Park stick-up, a crime that has some New York City residents worried about a return to the "bad old days" of criminal activity in the park.
The armed robberies of three men happened on the east side of the park near 102nd Street. One man has been arrested in connection with the crimes, but two others remain at-large.
There are noticeable changes Sunday night in Central Park in response to the robberies: skateboarders with a police escort, and additional flashing lights.
"I don't really think about my safety that much, but maybe I should be," Upper East Side resident Peter Harris said.
Police want everyone on high alert now, after three park-goers were robbed at gunpoint. The suspect pulled a gun while his two accomplices stole a wallet and an ATM card from two victims, both men in their twenties. Then, during the confrontation, a 46-year-old man walked by, and his wallet was also stolen.
The victims' 9-1-1 call summoned police, who quickly arrested 20-year-old Ramelle Moore near the scene. He has been charged with robbery and criminal possession of a weapon.
The hunt continues for the other two suspects, whose descriptions are unavailable.
"You just gotta be careful, just everywhere," tourist Joanna Go said.
For now, park-goers are reassured by the boosted security and extra police patrols.
Dog walker Larry Heatherington says he is not afraid, and will continue his after-dark strolls in the park, even with two suspects on the loose.
"The dog can protect me, don't you worry about it," Heatherington said.
The crime and similar, unconnected stick-ups in the park remind all New Yorkers: while this is a place to be enjoyed... it is also to be used with common sense and caution.
Despite all this, NYPD statistics reveal robberies in Central Park are actually slightly down so far this year compared to last, and are significantly lower than during those "bad old days" of rampant crime in the park.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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