NYPD: Suspect surrenders following attempted robbery, hostage situation at Bushwick money transfer store

Authorities say the suspect entered Darwin Money Transfer and appeared to make a transaction before announcing a robbery.

News 12 Staff

Jun 9, 2024, 12:14 PM

Updated 195 days ago

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A man was arrested Saturday after police say he attempted to rob a Bushwick money transfer store and held employees hostage with a fake gun.
Authorities say the suspect entered Darwin Money Exchange on Irving Avenue and appeared to make a transaction before announcing a robbery.
Police say he then immediately took two workers and a customer hostage.
One employee was able to escape and called 911 before the man started to barricade the front door with chairs and hold the two other hostages.
The incident closed off the area as the NYPD brought additional officers and hostage negotiators to assist.
Police and emergency services say they spent two hours negotiating with the man as he pointed a suspected firearm at them and at the head of one hostage. The gun he used was later determined to be fake.
The suspect ultimately climbed out of a window and surrendered.
Police say he and the hostages were later hospitalized. Their conditions were not immediately known as of Sunday evening.