In a shocking turn of events, Anthony Riser, a murder suspect in the Bronx, managed to escape from NYPD custody while being transported to Bronx Central Booking. Riser, who was arrested for the alleged shooting and killing of his neighbor, Richard Spigner, found himself on the run for nearly four hours before being recaptured by authorities. The escape, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, has resulted in Riser facing new charges for fleeing police custody.
Escape from Custody
According to the Bronx District Attorney’s office, Anthony Riser, 27, was apprehended by police on Monday in connection with the fatal shooting of Richard Spigner at a building on Rodman Place in West Farms. However, as officers were taking Riser to Bronx Central Booking the following day, he managed to escape from their custody. Despite being handcuffed and seated in the rearmost seat of the police van, Riser somehow slipped away, leaving authorities baffled.
The circumstances surrounding Riser’s escape remain unclear, as the criminal complaint does not provide details on how he was able to flee or whether the van was in motion at the time. The escape took place near Claremont Parkway and Washington Avenue in Morrisania, sparking a massive manhunt to locate the fugitive. Fortunately, police were able to track down Riser around 9 a.m. after an officer spotted him behind a small apartment building on Park Avenue and Claremont Parkway. Despite still being handcuffed, Riser’s restraints had been shifted from behind his back to the front of his body.
Community Response and Additional Charges
The escape of a murder suspect in their neighborhood left residents like 81-year-old Erodita Agard feeling shocked and frightened. Agard, who lives alone in the first-floor apartment where Riser was re-apprehended, recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing the police pursuit in her backyard. She described the tense moment when Riser was surrounded by officers, attempting to enter her home through the back door. Fortunately, the door was jammed, preventing Riser from gaining entry.
In addition to the initial charges of murder, manslaughter, and criminal weapons possession related to the death of Richard Spigner, Anthony Riser now faces an additional felony charge of first-degree escape for his daring breakout from police custody. He is set to appear in Bronx Criminal Court on Friday to address both the existing charges and the new escape charge. Riser’s court-appointed attorney, Porsha Shaf’on Venable, has refrained from commenting on the case or Riser’s alleged escape, leaving many unanswered questions lingering in the community.
The saga of Anthony Riser’s escape from NYPD custody serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in apprehending dangerous suspects and the importance of vigilance in ensuring public safety. As the investigation unfolds and Riser’s legal proceedings progress, the community remains on edge, eager for justice to be served in the tragic case of Richard Spigner’s untimely death. The resilience of individuals like Erodita Agard, who found themselves unwittingly caught up in the drama, underscores the human impact of such high-stakes criminal incidents. With Riser’s court date looming, the Bronx awaits the next chapter in this gripping tale of escape and capture.
