Blind Senior Carjacked in Long Island City

On Saturday evening, January 14, 2026, a 72-year-old blind man became an unwitting victim of a carjacking in Long Island City, Queens. The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m. when the elderly man was left inside his son’s idling Subaru while the son briefly entered a nearby Target store located at the intersection of 44 Drive and 23 Street. During this time, a 34-year-old man jumped into the vehicle and drove off, leaving the blind man unaware of the unfolding situation.

Brazen NYC carjacker swipes vehicle where blind senior, 72, was waiting for son: ‘He didn’t know what was happening’

The elderly man's wife recounted that her husband did not realize he was being carjacked due to his blindness. She stated, “He didn’t complain because he’s not really aware,” highlighting the confusion experienced by the victim during the incident. The thief reportedly did not communicate with the elderly man, who attempted to call his son but received no response.

Brazen NYC carjacker swipes vehicle where blind senior, 72, was waiting for son: ‘He didn’t know what was happening’

Upon returning to the parking spot, the son discovered both his father and the car were missing, prompting him to contact the police. Law enforcement later located the stolen vehicle and the elderly man approximately three miles away, at the intersection of 53 Avenue and 44 Street in Maspeth. Fortunately, the victim was unharmed during the ordeal.

Brazen NYC carjacker swipes vehicle where blind senior, 72, was waiting for son: ‘He didn’t know what was happening’

The NYPD is actively investigating the incident, and the victim's family expressed their outrage over the crime. The victim's wife stated, “They must go to jail. What they did was not right,” emphasizing the need for accountability for the carjacker.

Brazen NYC carjacker swipes vehicle where blind senior, 72, was waiting for son: ‘He didn’t know what was happening’

While the incident has drawn attention to the dangers of leaving vulnerable individuals unattended in vehicles, some community members have raised concerns about the broader issue of crime in urban areas. Critics argue that such incidents reflect a growing trend of carjackings and highlight the need for improved public safety measures.

Brazen NYC carjacker swipes vehicle where blind senior, 72, was waiting for son: ‘He didn’t know what was happening’

As of now, there are no conflicting reports regarding the details of the carjacking. However, the identity of the suspect remains unknown, and law enforcement has not provided updates on any potential leads in the investigation.

Brazen NYC carjacker swipes vehicle where blind senior, 72, was waiting for son: ‘He didn’t know what was happening’

The NYPD continues to search for the suspect involved in the carjacking. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Brazen NYC carjacker swipes vehicle where blind senior, 72, was waiting for son: ‘He didn’t know what was happening’