Suspect in violent Queens home invasion found guilty after skipping trial.

A 25-year-old man has been convicted in absentia of a violent knifepoint robbery that occurred in Queens, New York, prompting law enforcement to initiate a search for his whereabouts. Michael Fan was found guilty of first-degree robbery and burglary related to a September 7, 2022, incident during which he and two accomplices attacked a 20-year-old woman in her residence on Parsons Boulevard.

Fan’s conviction was finalized on Monday, but he was notably absent from the courtroom. Prosecutors revealed that he had last appeared for a hearing on April 28, prior to the trial set to commence on May 13. During this hearing, Fan was instructed to remain in the courtroom, but he managed to leave without permission, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

In light of his absence, a bench warrant has been issued for his arrest. Upon sentencing, which is set for June 2, Fan could face a maximum prison term of 25 years. The violent nature of the crime has raised concerns within the community.

The robbery unfolded in the early hours, around 3 a.m., when Fan, accompanied by his accomplices Sihao Wang, 24, and Dong Ming Shi, 24, approached the woman as she smoked a cigarette outside her home. The trio, clad in black and wearing masks, forcibly dragged her into her apartment, where they threatened her with a knife and an air pistol. Prosecutors indicated that during the assault, the victim was restrained with zip ties.

The woman’s partner, who was in the building’s basement during the incident, witnessed the attack and promptly called 911. Seizing an opportunity, the victim escaped, managed to unlock her apartment door, and allowed law enforcement into the building.

As Fan and his accomplices attempted to flee through nearby backyards, police apprehended Wang as he discarded the air pistol and possessed the victim’s cellphone. Shi was also quickly captured. Fan was eventually discovered hiding under a deck in a neighboring backyard, where he was found in possession of ,441 belonging to the victim.

While Wang subsequently pleaded guilty to attempted robbery in 2024 and received a two-year prison sentence, Shi, after being released on bail, fled the country. The law enforcement community continues to seek information regarding Fan’s whereabouts, urging anyone with leads to contact the NYPD Warrant Squad.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing violent crime and public safety in urban areas. Media News Source provides ongoing updates as this situation develops.