NYPD Seeks Public’s Help to Identify Suspect in Bronx Church Robbery and Assault on Christmas Eve

Sacrilege! Church Robbed, Attacked on Christmas Eve

Bronx Voice 

January 2, 2025

BRONX, NEW YORK - The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is urgently seeking the public’s help in identifying a suspect wanted in connection with a robbery and assault at a Bronx church on December 24, 2025. The incident occurred within the 48th Precinct, and police are requesting assistance to help solve the case. The suspect’s image has been shared with the public, and the NYPD is urging anyone with information to come forward.

If you live in the Bronx or the surrounding areas, your tip could make a significant difference. Let’s take a look at what happened and how you can help the NYPD track down the suspect involved in this crime.

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Details of the Incident: What Happened at the Bronx Church?

According to the NYPD, the incident took place on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at approximately 6:00 PM. An unknown individual entered the church located at 627 East 187th Street. The suspect took a candle from the altar, prompting a 64-year-old male parishioner to approach the thief and demand the item back.

However, things took a violent turn when the suspect struck the victim in the face. The attack caused a fractured orbital bone. Following the assault, the suspect fled the scene, leaving the victim behind.

Victim’s Condition: Stable but Injured

The victim, a 64-year-old man, was treated by emergency medical services (EMS) at the scene. After receiving immediate care, he was transported to Saint Barnabas Hospital in stable condition. His injury was serious, but luckily, he did not suffer life-threatening harm.

The NYPD is working diligently to identify and apprehend the suspect. The church robbery has left many in the community shocked, and police are hopeful that public assistance will help solve the case quickly.

How You Can Help: Do You Recognize This Suspect?

If you’ve seen the attached images of the suspect, or if you have any information that could lead to an arrest, the NYPD encourages you to reach out. Crime doesn’t pay, but solving these cases helps make the community safer.

Here’s how you can report what you know:

• Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (1-800-577-8477).

• Submit anonymous tips online through the NYPD Crime Stoppers Website.

• Text your tips to CRIMES (274637) and enter TIP577.

• You can also share any information via the NYPD’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

Who Is the Suspect? What Do We Know?

As of now, the NYPD has not released many details about the suspect’s identity, but they have provided images of the individual captured on security footage. These images have been distributed via the Department of Communications and Public Information (DCPI). While the suspect is still unidentified, the NYPD is working with local communities to piece together more information.

Why Is This Case So Important for the Bronx Community?

The Bronx has a tight-knit community, and incidents like this remind us of the importance of working together to keep our neighborhoods safe. The victim in this case was a churchgoer, someone who was simply trying to enjoy a peaceful moment at a local house of worship. When violent acts like this occur, it affects everyone, even if they’re not directly involved.

By reporting any tips to the police, you are not only helping to bring a criminal to justice but also protecting your community. The NYPD depends on citizens to assist in the fight against crime, and every piece of information—no matter how small—can help them close in on the suspect.