John Cardoza, a Broadway actor, became the second theatrical celebrity to fall victim to a city crime in a single day when he was robbed by a panhandler inside a Manhattan Dunkin Donuts on Easter.
According to authorities and sources, a suspect apparently held up the actor, which is currently portraying Young Noah in 'The Notebook,' at a coffee shop in Hamilton Heights. The suspect allegedly pretended to have a gun in his pocket and managed to snatch the actor's wallet, which contained $9.
Actor Threatened in Dunkin Donuts Altercation
Based on Cardoza's Instagram story, the suspect allegedly asked for money at the Dunkin Donuts located on West 145 Street.
He said, "I didn't have any cash on me, so I offered to buy him lunch, and it escalated from there very quickly."
Cardoza stated he was threatened by the man, stating that he was "held at gunpoint." However, according to police, the suspect did not actually brandish a weapon. Instead, he mimicked having a gun by using his hand inside his pocket.
Regarding those in the community attempting to keep a look out, the 30-year-old actor described his attacker as a "middle aged black man, about 5'10'', in a green camouflage hoodie and black sweatpants.
According to Cardoza, the altercation "started out with him just asking for a dollar" and "escalated from there very quickly."
Cardoza was "approached by an unidentified individual who simulated a firearm and grabbed his wallet and personal items," the New York Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE. There have been no reported injuries from the incident, but the investigation is still underway, according to police.
Read Also: Homeless Man Attacks Boardwalk Empire Actor With Rock Outside NYC's Central Park
Cardoza Thanks Fans After Dunkin Donuts Incident
Cardoza said to Instagram followers, "I am fine." It saddens me to think individuals are so needy and to need to notify anybody to this type of action. But it's the world we live in, and if you're like me, you're careful and don't think it'll happen to you until it does."
The Broadway actor thanked fans for their overwhelming support in the following Instagram post. "This man made multiple attempts to use my credit card" at companies in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood after the incident, he continued.
People reports Cardoza performed The Notebook's Easter matinee. He posted on Instagram, "I was grateful to have a place to head immediately after" the heist, "full of people I love, to do work I love. So I've been in good hands."
In 2019, Cardoza, who received training at the Boston Conservatory of Music, had his Broadway debut as a chorus member in the Alanis Morissette musical Jagged Little Pill.
Ingrid Michaelson, a singer-songwriter, adapts Nicholas Sparks's 1996 romance novel for Broadway. The novel served as the inspiration for the 2004 film starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. In the Broadway version, Noah portrays the protagonist.
Meanwhile, Xavier Israel tossed a rock at Stuhlbarg at around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday when he was strolling in the park close to E. 90th St. and East Drive, according to police.
Israel, 27, was accused of assault by the police after the actor received a minor gash to his head during the altercation. Israel has a history of mental illness in the city, and in January 2022, he was charged with three attacks in or around Central Park over the course of ten days, Daily News reported.
