Hammer-wielding group attacks and robs 2 men in the Bronx: NYPD

THE BRONX (PIX11) -- Police are searching for four assailants who attacked and robbed two men in separate incidents using hammers last month, sending one of them to the hospital with a fractured skull, according to the NYPD.

The suspects approached the first victim, a 26-year-old man, and threatened him with hammers on North 7th Street on Feb. 18 around 11:30 p.m., according to the NYPD. They stole his cellphone and the keys to his van, police said.

Police said the attackers pulled the second victim, a 36-year-old man, into the first victim's van as he approached the vehicle. They then bludgeoned the man, hitting him multiple times in the head and body, police said.

First responders transported the 36-year-old victim in critical condition with a fractured skull and ruptured spleen, police said.

The suspects fled the scene on foot. Police on Friday released photos of two of the suspects running from the scene. No arrests have been made.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).