Gunman Fires Shot, Steals Rolex and Gold Chain in Middle Village, Queens

Police are searching for a gunman who fired into the air before stealing a man’s Rolex watch and gold chain outside his home in Middle Village, Queens, early Thursday.

The 37-year-old victim was not injured in the robbery, which happened shortly after midnight near Juniper Valley Road and 72nd Street.

Victim Confronted After Returning Home

The victim told police he had returned from a nightclub in Astoria and had just parked outside his home when he noticed a man across the street.

The man pulled out a firearm and fired one round into the air before crossing the street and approaching him, according to the victim’s account.

The robber then pointed the weapon at the victim and demanded his jewelry. He forcibly removed the man’s Rolex wristwatch and gold chain before fleeing on foot toward Pleasantview Street.

Police Recover Shell Casing

Crime scene investigators recovered one small-caliber shell casing in the area. Police are continuing to search for the suspect.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS (8477).