Man arrested in Queens for car theft while a 72-year-old man was in the backseat.

A suspect has been apprehended in connection with a car theft incident in Queens, New York, which escalated into a kidnapping of a 72-year-old man. The event occurred on January 17, 2023, around 7:13 p.m., when the victim was sitting in the backseat of a parked 2016 Subaru on 44th Drive and 23rd Street in Long Island City. During this time, the assailant entered the driver’s seat and drove off with the vehicle and its occupant.

Authorities report that the suspect, later identified as 30-year-old Dominic Kanin, abandoned both the car and the elderly passenger approximately two miles away in Maspeth shortly after the theft. The victim was unharmed but obviously distressed from the ordeal.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) launched an investigation following the incident and subsequently released surveillance footage from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which captured images of the suspect. This footage proved critical in leading to Kanin’s arrest about two weeks after the crime took place.

Kanin has been charged with multiple offenses, including grand larceny, kidnapping, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and unlawful imprisonment. Notably, he resides in the Cambria Heights neighborhood of Queens and has no recorded prior criminal history according to law enforcement officials. His arrest has highlighted ongoing concerns about public safety in urban areas, particularly regarding crimes involving vehicles.

The sequence of events has raised questions about the effectiveness of current safety measures for individuals waiting in vehicles, especially vulnerable populations. As authorities continue to assess the implications of this incident, they emphasize the importance of vigilance among residents and visitors alike.

As investigations proceed, the NYPD is urging anyone with additional information related to the case or similar incidents to step forward. The community remains alert as law enforcement works to address and mitigate such criminal activities. These developments highlight the complexities of urban crime and the ongoing efforts to enhance public security in New York City.

For continuous updates and further information surrounding this case, residents are encouraged to stay connected to local news outlets and police alerts.