Would-Be E-Bike Thief Slashes Astoria Diner Worker, Cops Say

ASTORIA, NY — An Astoria diner employee was slashed when he interrupted two men trying to steal an electric bike last month, police said. The worker spotted the would-be thieves trying to lift the secured e-bike behind the Bel-Aire Diner on 21st Street around 3:25 a.m. on Dec. 19, the NYPD said.

One of the men pulled out a knife and slashed the 25-year-old employee when he intervened, police said. The worker was taken to Elmhurst Hospital with cuts to his torso and leg, which were not life-threatening, according to police.

Both of the attempted robbers got away without any property, one on a scooter and one on foot, the NYPD said.

Police are searching for the man on the scooter, who was caught on surveillance video. He was last seen riding a shiny blue electric bike and wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident can call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-577-8477 or 1-888-577-4782 to leave a tip in Spanish. New Yorkers can also text tips to 274637 or submit them online at nypdcrimestoppers.com.

(Lead image: Police say this man was one of two who tried to steal an e-bike behind an Astoria diner last month. Image and video from the NYPD)