BROOKLYN, NY – In a dramatic sequence of events, a man attempted two robberies in quick succession, targeting a post office in Midwood and a check-cashing store in East Flatbush. The chaotic spree unfolded on a single afternoon, leaving the community shaken but miraculously unharmed.
The initial incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. at the Midwood post office. Witnesses reported that a man brandished a gun at a customer and demanded money from the clerk. The situation escalated when a woman screamed, prompting the robber to fire several shots before fleeing the scene on a moped. Fortunately, no one was struck by the gunfire, although the building sustained bullet damage.
Shortly afterward, the suspect reappeared at a check-cashing business on Utica Avenue in East Flatbush, approximately two and a half miles from the first crime scene. There, he threatened to kill everyone if his demands for money were not met. A customer inside the store recounted the terrifying moment, believing their life was in imminent danger.
As the robber attempted to break into a secured area, his gun malfunctioned, and the magazine fell out, scattering bullets across the floor. This unexpected turn gave a customer the chance to escape and reach his car. However, the robber pursued on his moped, leading to a collision involving two other vehicles.
In the aftermath of the crash, the customer, undeterred, chased down the suspect with the help of another individual. Together, they managed to restrain him until police arrived. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Travis Taylor of Brooklyn, now faces multiple charges, including robbery and weapons violations.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, linking Taylor to both the post office shooting and the attempted robbery at the check-cashing store. Despite the violence, no injuries were reported, a fact that has brought a sense of relief to the community.