Three Astoria smoke shops robbed on Sunday: NYPD

Locations all within two miles of each other, no arrests confirmed

By Alicia Venter

aventer@queensledger.com

 

Three smoke shops within two miles of each other were robbed Sunday afternoon, according to a preliminary report from the NYPD.

Despite their proximity, the NYPD has not confirmed or denied whether these robberies are connected as of publication.

The robberies took place at King 1 Smoke Shop (25-28 Broadway) at 1:10 p.m.; Smoke Station Hemp Shop (22-05 35th Street) at 1:48 p.m.; and Nirvana Vape and Convenience (31-92 21st Street) at 9:15 p.m.

All three robberies are within the confines of the 114th Precinct.

According to a preliminary report provided by a DCPI Spokesperson with the NYPD on Monday, Nov. 21, the robbery at King 1 Smoke Shop took place following an argument between a store employee and an unidentified individual who approached the country to purchase CBD products.

The perpetrator displayed a firearm over the counter and threatened the victim, and then fled on foot westbound on Broadway. There are no arrests as of publication and the investigation is ongoing.

Four individuals robbed Cloud Beast CBD Smoke & Vape Shop, according to police. Two of the unidentified individuals asked for help, following which one of the perpetrators displayed a firearm. He grabbed the victim from behind the counter and pushed him to the ground, while other individuals entered the location and grabbed items from the shelves and money from the counter, as well as the victim’s wallet, and fled.

DCPI did not share if there were any arrests made.

At Nirvana Vape and Convenience, an unidentified individual entered the location, displayed a firearm and demanded money from the employee. The suspect fled with approximately $600 in a grey SUV.

There are no arrests as of publication and the investigation is ongoing.

This is an ongoing story, and will be updated with more information as it becomes available.


Any tips about what’s happening in Long Island City, Astoria, Woodside, Sunnyside or Northwest Queens? Email me at aventer@queensledger.com!