Crossword Genius

Criminal needing medical assistance in city, avoiding NY somehow (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

illicit

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'criminal' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for illicit that I've seen before include "Contraband" , "Without approval" , "Not approved by law" , "illegitimate" , "completely banned" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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