Surveillance footage of the suspect, released ahead of his arrest
We recently wrote about two assaults against elderly Upper East Siders. One of the reported incidents took place on October 2, when a 75-year-old man was punched repeatedly in the head while riding the M102 bus near 96th and Lexington Avenue.
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The suspect was arrested on November 27–for this attack, and for abusing a 2-month-old puppy, police confirm.
Forcibly slapping, choking & dragging a defenseless 2-month old puppy is REPREHENSIBLE!
After learning of the abuse our officers acted fast to arrest the miscreant! Turns out the same criminal was ALSO wanted for assaulting a 75-year-old man last month & charged for both crimes! pic.twitter.com/sungHUWp1h
— NYPD 19th Precinct (@NYPD19Pct) November 29, 2024
An anonymous tipster called the police on Wednesday, November 27 at about 10:20 a.m., telling them a 2-month-old puppy was being abused by its owner. The dog was removed to the ASPCA where it’s currently being evaluated. Police arrested 39-year-old Christopher J Royster near his apartment at 1115 First Avenue (between 61st and 62nd streets). According to public records, Royster has pleaded not guilty.
About an hour after his arrest, Royster was slapped with various assault charges for the early October assault on the 75-year-old man. Public records show he’s pleaded not guilty to these charges, too.
Additional records show that while prosecutors requested bail, Royster was released on his own recognizance by Judge Angela J. Badamo. He’s due back in court on January 13.
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