Video Shows Cinderblock Thrown, Syringe Swung In Midtown: NYPD

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — A woman smashed a taxi window with a cinderblock and a man tried to stab a security guard with a syringe in two disturbing robberies that went down in Midtown last week, according to the NYPD.

Police released video Tuesday of a woman in a bright orange wig lugging a large cinderblock toward a cab parked on on West 37th Street between Ninth and 10th avenues about 10 a.m. Thursday.

The woman smashes the driver's side window before leaping in to steal an iPhone 8 and $40 in cash, NYPD video shows.

The woman then runs away on 37th Street, taking off her wig in the process, video shows.

Two days later and a few blocks east, a shoplifter whipped out a hypodermic needle and tried to stab a Duane Reade security guard, according to police.

The guard, 64, tried to stop the man — who'd stuffed a Fresh Direct bag full of Gatorade and other products — from leaving the pharmacy on East 34th Street near Third Avenue about 10:20 a.m, according to police.

Video shows the man whipping out a hypodermic needle and lunging at the guard.

After an extended struggle, the man left the store without taking any items, police said. The guard suffered pain in his left hand but declined medical attention, police said.

Authorities released footage showing the man brandishing the needle. Police are seeking help identifying the suspects in both incidents, asking anyone with information to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). People can also submit tips online or on Twitter, @NYPDTips.