Man Escapes NYPD Custody In Lower Manhattan

SOHO, NY — A handcuffed man escaped from NYPD custody in lower Manhattan Friday evening, according to police and news reports.

The NYPD said that around 7:20 p.m. Friday, officers were investigating a report of an individual wanted for petit larceny in the area of Spring Street and Broadway. Police said a 21-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man were taken into custody.

The man, identified as Derek Robinson, fled from the officers and went north on Mercer Street, the NYPD said. Police then lost sight of Robinson.

Robinson is described as 5-foot-9, 160 pounds with facial hair. Police say he was last seen wearing blue jeans, high-top sneakers, and a blue and white shirt.

The New York Post reported that Robinson was in handcuffs when he fled from the First Precinct station house in Tribeca.

The woman who was arrested, Alize Scruggs, of North Carolina, was charged with possession of burglar tools, petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property.

Photo of Derek Robinson via DCPI