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Bronx murder suspect faces new charges after escaping NYPD custody in police van
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Mar 13, 2025
Modified Mar 13, 2025
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By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Mar 13, 2025
Modified Mar 13, 2025
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A murder suspect who authorities say escaped from a police van and spent nearly four hours on the loose in the Bronx is now facing additional charges for fleeing NYPD custody, according to the Bronx District Attorney’s office.
Anthony Riser, 27, was arrested Monday for allegedly shooting and killing his 28-year-old neighbor, Richard Spigner, at a building on Rodman Place in West Farms on Dec. 21.
But around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, as police officers transported Riser to Bronx Central Booking, he somehow managed to slip out of the van — despite being seated in the rearmost seat with his hands cuffed behind his back, according to a criminal complaint.
The complaint does not detail how Riser pulled off the escape or whether the van was moving at the time. He jumped out near Claremont Parkway and Washington Avenue in Morrisania, prompting a manhunt.
Police recaptured Riser around 9 a.m. after an officer spotted him behind a small apartment building on Park Avenue and Claremont Parkway. He was still handcuffed, though his restraints had been moved from behind his back to the front of his body.
“ [Police] tried to come into my home and say, ‘There's a murderer in my backyard,’” said 81-year-old Erodita Agard, who lives alone in the first-floor apartment where Riser was re-arrested.
Agard said she only realized what was happening when she saw Riser surrounded by police in her neighbor’s backyard, looking disheveled.
“ My neighbor said that she saw him jumping over her fence to come into my yard, trying to open my back door, but it's a good thing it was jammed,” she said. “I was scared.”
In addition to murder, manslaughter and criminal weapons possession charges related to Spigner’s killing, Riser now faces a felony charge of first-degree escape. He is scheduled to appear in Bronx Criminal Court on Friday for both cases.
Riser’s court-appointed attorney, Porsha Shaf'on Venable, declined to comment on his charges or alleged escape.
This story has been updated with an interview from Erodita Agard.
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public safety
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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