Homeless Man Arrested In Attempted Morningside Park Robbery: Columbia Issued Warning After Series Of Robberies & Assaults

Manhattan

By Geoffrey Croft

A homeless tried to rob a park patron inside Morningside Park,  NYC  Park Advocates has learned.

Willie Frazier,  27, approached a man, 37,  with his hand in his front pants pocket indicating he had a weapon. 

 "I have a gun. Give me your money," the assailant said according to sources.

The victim screamed,  "He's trying to rob me." 

Frazier ran off.

Police responded and armed with a description apprehend Frazier minutes later at Morningside Avenue near West 114th Street.

He did not have a weapon.

The incident occurred inside the park,  near West 114th Street  at approximately 9:10 p.m. on Tuesday evening.

Frazer was charged with attempted robbery. 

A few weeks ago Columbia University's Department of Public Safety issued a warning after a series of robberies and assaults occurred in and around the park. 

According to the police, a group of 6 to 7 males approximately 12 to 16 years of age were responsible for a series of incidents on August 19th. 

One victim was punched in the face, another was robbed. The group also attempted to rob a female inside Morningside Park. 

If anyone has information about these crimes please contact the 26th Precinct Detective Squad - 212- 678-1351.