102nd Officer Honored for Nabbing 4 Suspects by Stephen Geffon - Queens Chronicle -

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Community Council President Maria Thomson, Deputy Inspector Armando DeLeon and Officer Jeff Strauber at the precinct meeting last week. PHOTO BY STEPHEN GEFFON

Officer Jeff Strauber of the 102nd Precinct was honored with the Cop of the Month award at the community council meeting last Thursday for his arrest of four individuals who police say stole a cell phone from a young man.

Strauber was patrolling Jamaica Avenue near 130th Street in Richmond Hill on April 10 at 1:30 a.m. when he heard through the police radio transmission that four men had robbed a young man walking along the avenue.

Deputy Inspector Armando DeLeon, commanding officer of the 102nd Precinct, said the four individuals surrounded the victim and swiped his cell phone.

DeLeon said that Strauber canvassed the nearby area, where he spotted the suspects.

The commanding officer noted the thieves did not flee from Strauber when he approached them.

Strauber apprehended the alleged perpetrators, and no one was injured.

“That was great work by Officer Strauber,” said DeLeon.

Police said the suspects were all charged with armed robbery.

Woman Attacked In Forest Park Speaks Out - by Mathewt Hampton Forest Hills, NY Patch

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On Friday, March 25, a Forest Hills woman was savagely attacked in Forest Park, by a man in a black mask. Now the victim is speaking out, in the hope that her attacker can be brought to justice, and other women won’t have to suffer the same fate.

The victim, Patricia, was jogging early in the morning when a man wearing a black ski mask grabbed her from behind and attempted to pull off her running tights.

The victim described her attacker as between five-foot-six and five-foot-ten, wearing a black mask, black jacket, dark shoes and dark pants.

“I was shocked and horrified, I couldn't believe it was happening,” the victim said. “I screamed, but he kept trying to cover my mouth.”

Patricia added that the only reason she was able to escape from her attacker is through a series of strong kicks to the groin she delivered while he wrestled with her on the ground.

Once she fought back, she said, the man backed off and disappeared into the large wooded area from which he had emerged.

The park, which is located almost entirely in the 102 Precinct, is a largely wooded area with plenty of places for would-be attackers to hide. Police said that since the attack, NYPD officers have worked with Parks department patrols to step up the presence in the area.

“I never thought I was an easy target,” Patricia said. “I’ve always felt pretty safe on my own, but not anymore.”

No arrest has been made in the incident.

If anyone has any information contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

NYPD was Insensitive at Parade - Organizer by Anna Gustafson - Queens Chronicle

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The Phagwah parade has drawn thousands of people to Richmond Hill to celebrate the Hindu holiday Holi for more than two decades, and organizers wanted the event to basically be the same as it always has been — crowds of people dancing, singing and, what is often the trademark of the event, throwing colorful powder.

But this year, some involved in Sunday’s parade said some of the police who were not from the 106th and 102nd precincts were culturally insensitive and aggressively took powder from individuals, including from women’s purses.

More than 25,000 people came to Richmond Hill last weekend to celebrate Holi, a religious holiday celebrated to mark the coming of spring. Celebrations are held across the world, most of which include participants throwing colorful powders at each other.


“The NYPD brought police from all over who had no idea about this parade, what it is, and they could be very insensitive to the nuances of the parade and the culture,” said Roy Singh, a parade organizer. “They went into ladies’ pocketbooks on the floats. They were very belligerent in seizing the powder. They even pushed people aside to get onto the floats.”


Singh emphasized they had no problems with officers from the local 106th and 102nd precincts, but with officers who did not know the area. He said of the approximate 100 officers there, there were about 28 from the 106th and 102nd precincts.


A police spokeswoman said they were both following a city law that was implemented after the anthrax scare in 2001 that does not allow individuals to use powder along parade routes and working to accommodate parade organizers, who she said had requested that police ensure parade goers did not throw powder along the route. Police did allow individuals to throw the colorful dye at the Smokey Oval Park in Richmond Hill.


One week after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, letters containing anthrax were mailed to two U.S. Senators and a number of news media offices, which killed five people.


The NYPD spokeswoman noted there were no summonses or arrests in relation to the confiscation of powder on Sunday.


Police from the 106th and 102nd precincts, which have been monitoring the parade for years, said they had a good time at the event.


“I thought the organizers did a great job, and I had a great time,” said Officer Ken Zorn of the 106th Precinct.


Vishnu Mahadeo, president of the Richmond Hill Economic Development Council, agreed the police were too aggressive in confiscating the powder.


“When you take away the powder, it’s like having Christmas without a Christmas tree,” Mahadeo said. “The police took the key element out.”


Mahadeo said police took powder, confetti and perfume away from him, his wife and his 12-year-old child as they walked toward the parade route but were not on the route itself. He said hundreds of bags were confiscated. Police could not verify how much was taken.
“This is not an acceptable practice,” Mahadeo said. “This is a part of our culture and an intrusion into our culture and customs.”


Mahadeo said he and others are considering legal action against the police.


“This community is becoming very conscious, it’s no longer a first-generation immigrant community,” he said. “We’re second-, third-generation Americans, and it’s sad we’re being treated in this type of disrespectful manner.”


Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) said he was looking into what happened at the parade.


“We’re disappointed because this is a celebration of their culture and traditions, and we’re still trying to talk to police about why it was confiscated and how we can move forward so that in the future they can have their celebration without being worried.”


Singh said organizers have aired their concerns to the NYPD, and he said police have asked them to draft a document about the holiday for them to disseminate to officers in the future.


“The 106th and 102nd police already understand us, but it’s the other police that we want to give this to,” Singh said of the document.

Senator Joe Addabbo & Assemblyman Mike Miller's Speak Out on the Assault in Woodhaven Leading to Death of Teen

Senator Addabbo:”This Kind of Activity Should Not Happen in Woodhaven or Anywhere”

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens), released the following statement concerning the weekend’s deplorable criminal violence that occurred among youth gathered inside a Woodhaven abandoned house (within his Senate District 15):

My office staff and I are determined to work with law enforcement to address the issues related to this unacceptable violent crime. I also intend to work with the Department of Buildings and other government agencies to address the growing problem surrounding the rise of incidents involving illegal activity being conducted in abandoned houses. This kind of activity should not be able to occur in the good community of Woodhaven or anywhere.

Assemblyman Miller’s Statement on the Assault in Woodhaven

This weekend, the life of an innocent teenager was cut tragically short in a senseless hate crime. Though the victim was not a member of the LGBT community, several members of the party were, and they were targeted solely for that reason. Over the past several years in Queens, we have seen senseless attacks on the LGBT community from Jackson Heights to Woodhaven. It is a shame, it is unacceptable, and it needs to end now. My heart goes out to the victim and his loved ones. It is time we stand up against hate.

Police Commissioner Calls Queens Slaying a Hate Crime by Joseph Goldstein - NYTimes.com

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Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said Tuesday that the fatal beating of an 18-year-old man in Queens early Saturday “falls into the category of a hate crime.”

The victim, Anthony Collao, was at a party at a house in Woodhaven when five gate-crashers, none older than 17, pushed their way inside, Mr. Kelly said. Once indoors, they began “making homophobic remarks” and writing messages on the wall in red markers, said Mr. Kelly, who was asked about the case after a City Council hearing.

As Mr. Collao, who the police said was at the party with a girlfriend, left about 1 a.m., he encountered the same group outside the house, on 90th Street. One of the teenagers had a metal bat and another had a cane, according to a criminal complaint.

With a shout of “this is my hood,” the teenagers chased Mr. Collao down 90th Street and set upon him in a storm of punches, kicks and blows from “an object that appeared to be a stick,” according to the complaint.

Mr. Collao was taken to Jamaica Hospital and died late Monday after he was taken off life support, Mr. Kelly said. The attack and the death were reported by The Daily News on Tuesday.

When the police arrested one of those suspected in the attack, Christopher Lozada, he had an Atlanta Braves cap that belonged to Mr. Collao, according to the complaint. The police also discovered blood on Mr. Lozada’s clothing and on the sneakers of a second person arrested in the case, according to the complaint, which said that a metal pipe with blood on it was recovered from the crime scene.

Mr. Lozada and three other suspects were arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on Monday on charges of manslaughter, gang assault and weapons possession. The police are still searching for a fifth suspect, whose name they did not release. The criminal complaint does not make any mention of antigay slurs, or offer any suggestion as to what motivated the attack. Mr. Kelly said that investigators with an expertise in hate crimes were looking into the case.

David Franzese, a lawyer for one of the defendants, Luis Tabales, 16, said that his client had nothing to do with the assault and “doesn’t know the other individuals he was arrested with.”

Mr. Franzese said the party was at an abandoned home that had become a hangout for teenagers.

Cops Who Nabbed Burglar Honored by 102 Precinct Community Council by Stephen Geffon - Queens Chronicle

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102nd Precinct Community Council President Maria Thomson, left, Precinct Executive Officer Capt. Martin Briffa, and police officers Jose Severino and Ashana Kelly at the meeting.PHOTO BY STEPHEN GEFFON

Two 102nd Precinct police officers who captured an alleged burglar reportedly responsible for a string of thefts throughout the community were awarded with the Cop of the Month award last week.

Officers Jose Severino and Ashana Kelly were honored at the 102nd Precinct Community Council’s meeting, during which Precinct Executive Officer Capt. Martin Briffa and Precinct Community Council President Maria Thomson presented the two individuals with the award for January.

Briffa said police received a 911 call on Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. about a suspicious individual knocking on a door at an apartment building in the vicinity of 126th Street and 86th Avenue in Richmond Hill.

After the individual received no response at the door, he allegedly went around the building and climbed up the fire escape to enter the resident’s apartment, Briffa said.

The captain said officers Saverino and Kelly responded to the location and set up a perimeter at the front and rear of the building.When they heard noise inside the apartment, they entered and captured the suspect, according to Briffa.

Police believe they will be able to close 17 open burglary cases thanks to the arrest because the defendant allegedly committed that many, Briffa said.

Police noted the perpetrator in the other 17 cases had used the fire escape to enter the building, as the individual arrested by Savarino and Kelly had done.

Four burglaries were reported in the 102nd Precinct during the week ending Feb. 6, according to city crime statistics.

Late Last Call Hung Up by Community Board 9 by Ralph Mancini - www.timesnewsweekly.com

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Denies Eatery Liquor Permit Extension

A Richmond Hill restaurant’s request to serve alcoholic beverages until the wee hours of the morning was shotdown by members of Community Board 9 at the group’s Tuesday, Feb. 8 meeting following a brief war of wordsbetween decision makers of the advisory panel that stood on opposite sides of the fence.


During the board’s monthly Public Safety Committee report at the Fairfield Pavillion in Richmond Hill, attendees were informed of an appeal made by owners of Las Victorias Restaurant, located at 104-19 Jamaica Ave., to obtain a liquor license authorizing the sale of adult drinks until 4 a.m.


Committee co-chair James Coccovillo clarified that moving forward his team would only endorse restaurant liquor licenses if the establishments stop selling alcohol to their patrons at 1 a.m.


“At this time, this committee is taking a stand,” he said. “This is going to be our policy.”
The business owner initially disputed the condition set forth, arguing that many other restaurants in his area carry on with their distribution of drinks to their customers throughout the early morning hours.


Board member Joan DeCamp sided with him, pointing out how “unrealistic” it would be to expect any night time eatery to be successful without making liquors available to the clientele.


“I would much rather have people come into a restaurant…eat, stay and have a drink than go out to a bar,” she observed.


A rebuttal was issued by committee member Rabbi Daniel Pollack, who advised listeners that restaurants and bars play by a different set of rules. Neighborhood restaurants, he suggested, generally close at 12 midnight.


He frowned upon permitting Las Victorias from essentially becoming a bar after 1 a.m., maintaining that excessive drinking often leads to criminal activity and quality-of-life problems.


“I like going out to restaurants a lot,” Coccovillo added. “After dinner, I’ll sit there and I’ll even have a drink or coffee; within 15, 20 minutes, I’m on my way home. I’m not hanging out, drinking—that’s a restaurant. If you’re open at three in the morning, you’re no longer a restaurant; you’re a bar.”


Fellow board member and associate real estate broker Regina Santoro predicted that having another bar-like business would only add to the existing “chaos” generated by several night establishments throughout Richmond Hill.


In relation to other eating establishments that don’t adhere to a curfew, Coccovillo promised that they would be aware of the committee’s new policy once their liquor licenses are up for renewals.


During a roll-call vote, Board 9 elected to support the restaurant’s request by a 24-12 tally with the stipulation that the business in question conclude selling alcohol by 1 a.m.


Spike in local grand larcenies


Capt. Martin Briffa, executive officer of the 102nd Precinct, reported increases in criminal activity over the previous 28-day period, including a 23 percent surge in major crimes, along with a 131 percent growth in grand larcenies. Most of those crimes consisted in the theft of credit cards and bank checks, which the captain said are “easy to crackdown on.”


He also addressed a three percent uptick in felony assaults by explaining how his precinct is flooded with night clubs and other establishments, where assaults have taken place, particularly during the holiday season.


Briffa surmised that educating the many foreigners in his command about the laws they must abide by will help alleviate the recent numbers.


Many crimes, such as rape, he continued, are being committed by individuals that know the victims and not by strangers.


“We can do car stops. If you have a Toyota, we’ll stop you; that’s what they’re stealing these days. We try to teach people not to leave handbags in cars. There are people who are even taking quarters from [parked] cars,” said Briffa.


In response to Board 9 Chairperson Ivan Mrakovcic’s concerns about prostitution, Conditions Unit Sgt. Joseph DeMarco admitted that there was a problem in the area of Rockaway Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue. He promised board members that his unit would perform sting operations if necessary to rid the streets of street walkers.


DeMarco further touched on his precinct’s focus on monitoring liquor stores to ensure that they don’t sell any of their merchandise to people who are under the age of 21.


Carousel update


In his chairperson’s report, Mrakovcic notified board members that a vendor who currently works at Flushing Meadows/Corona Park will soon be operating the Forest Park Carousel starting sometime in June. “We want it open as soon as possible… and landmarked,” he stated.


Strengthening park communities


Hassan King of Partnership for Parks spoke of his organization’s outreach efforts to provide resources to stakeholders interested in maintaining smaller park properties. 


He detailed how his group was involved in helping the Astoria Park Waterfront Alliance secure grants in order to provide greater waterfront access in their neighborhood park.


“Because of our unique relationship with the Parks Department, we’ve been able to help with the education and fitness programs in that park,” he said along with mentioning how Partnership for Parks is also looking to visit other areas they normally don’t go to.


In addition, King offered his expertise to Mrakovcic, Andrea Crawford and other board members who may be looking to start a feasibility study on a rails-for-trails project to turn an unused tract of land at Forest Park into a bike trail.


Pol promotes listening tour


City Council Member Ruben Wills was on hand to tell those in attendance about his listening tour in which he will visit various sites throughout his district to understand the needs of all his constituents. “All I do is sit and listen to you,” he added.


The Southeast Queens native alerted the audience to an upcoming unemployment seminar he’ll be hosting in order to “bring everything to this community that hasn’t been provided.”
“When everything gets tough, we actually band together—we make things happen,” he said in reference to school teachers being laid off.


Spotlight on car service


Some board members, such as Clark Whitsett, made their feelings known about the Richmond Hillbased Community Quisqueya Car Service, which recently submitted its application for its base station license renewal.


Whitsett reported that the drivers from the car service continually make illegal u-turns at busy intersections, congesting traffic. He also noted how many of them wait for their calls along residential streets and deprive residents of parking spaces.


Similarly, Mrakovcic pointed out how Community Quisqueya’s employees frequently leave their cars running and pollute the air in between rides.


Attorney Richard Weinberg conceded that his client may be the best, but is “far from the worst” in terms of local car service companies. He stated that his client’s employees are all local community members.


Board member and Woodhaven activist Maria Thomson concurred by saying that Community Quisqueya provides jobs and a “good” service to the community usually responding to their calls within five minutes.


“Every time we had a problem, they took care of it. U-turns are a police issue,” concluded Sam Esposito. The board voted in favor of renewing the base station license by a 29-7 tally.


Community Board 9 regularly meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:45 p.m. at various locations throughout Kew Gardens, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill and Woodhaven. For more details, call 1-718-286-2686

Grandmother Uses Whistles To Protect Queens Neighborhood Reported by Monica Morales - WPIX

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With NYPD Comstat Stats just out, and assaults, burglaries, and grand larcenies are all jumping double digits from last year, one Woodlawn woman is on a mission to change that.

Maria Thomson, the President of the 102nd Precinct Community Council, is taking to the streets, armed with whistles. Thomson has raised hundreds of dollars for whistles and was handing them out at trouble spots in her neighborhood.

The idea, she says, is to whistle if you are in trouble to get a police officer's attention. New Yorkers have mixed feelings about this old-fashioned crime fighting approach.

Woodhaven resident Chino Rivera said, "I'll whistle after I knock them out. That's a real New York answer isn't it?"

While other New Yorkers praised Thomson and her efforts like George Penetta. Penetta said, "Thanks for caring about our neighborhood."

While some crime was up, 102 precinct officers were able to reduce robberies by 25 percent and misdemeanor assaults by 31 percent, according to the new stats. The NYPD did not comment on this story.

Ozone Park Homeowner Nabs Burglar 102nd Precinct - The Queens Courier

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Homeowner nabs burglar

A man and his father apprehended a man who broke into their Ozone Park home and tried to make off with their belongings.

According to the district attorney, Hector Bermudez, 51, admitted that he broke into the 117th Street residence by forcing the front door, and took a watch, a BlackBerry cell phone and more than $1,000.

When the homeowner and his father saw Bermudez, they apprehended him and took their belongings back.

Bermudez, who is charged with second-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and possession of burglar’s tools, was found to have a screwdriver in his back pocket.

102nd Precinct CO Reflects on First Year by Stephen Geffon - Queens Chronicle

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Capt. DeLeon has been commanding officer of the 102 Pct for about a year. In that time felony crime complaints have dropped significantly. File Photo

As he reflects on his first year as commanding officer of the 102nd Precinct, Capt. Armando DeLeon has a lot to be proud of.

His use of focused enforcement to reduce crime and quality of life violations in the community appears to have been successful, at least according to the latest NYPD crime statistics for the precinct.

NYPD CompStat statistics for the 102nd Precinct for the year to date show that felony crime complaints have dropped almost 6 percent compared to last year, the largest reduction in all of the Patrol Borough Queens South region.

In addition, the figures also show that for the week ending Oct. 10 major felony complaints fell by almost 25 percent compared to the same week in 2009. Auto thefts dropped 54 percent, burglaries fell 37 percent and felonious assaults went down 25 percent as well.

DeLeon said that using his focused enforcement concept means problems are identified early and are tackled right away.

“We still have a lot of work to do and there are still areas that we need to address and focus on,” he said. “But as of now I’m very happy with what we have done so far.”

Focused enforcement also relies on assigning officers with a special interest in tackling certain areas, such as noise, illegal auto dealing and loitering, for example. Those officers address the problem right away and are responsible to ensure that they do not reoccur, he said.

DeLeon also attributed the crime drop to listening to the community and their complaints and addressing them in an expeditious manner.

He added that residents believe in the 102nd Precinct, and that the police will address their complaints.

“It helps us combat crime and quality of life [violations],” said DeLeon.

Deleon said that his officers visit first-time offenders and their families and offer referrals to agencies that can help them in an effort to guide them away from a life of crime.

DeLeon said that although noise is still the number one quality of life problem in the precinct, specifically Woodhaven and Richmond Hill, it has gotten better. He said that his approach is to take it one house and one block at a time.

The captain said that when he came to the precinct there were an average of 67 noise complaints per block for a Friday to Sunday period. Now, his analysis showed that it had dropped to between 16 and 22 complaints.

Explaining the noise complaint drop, DeLeon said that police officers knock on the doors of chronic noisemakers and hand them a letter.

“That letter and that knock sometimes sends a message that ‘maybe I have to tone it down a bit,’” he said.

Graffiti is another quality of life complaint that has been addressed by 102nd Precinct officers, he said.

According to DeLeon, graffiti arrests throughout the precinct are up. He said that graffiti unit officers are able to identify tags, take photos, do research and question and debrief individuals that are arrested for graffiti violations.

Discussing scams, DeLeon gave credit to the precinct detective squad for their investigation and apprehension of two women who he said were preying on elderly men in their 70s and 80s and defrauding them out of tens of thousands of dollars.

DeLeon said his relationship with the community is great, “even better than when I first came here.”

Looking forward, DeLeon said he would like to reduce crime further in the area and continue to build a bridge to the community, a process he says has been growing daily.

DeLeon further said he will continue to use crime strategies that have shown to be successful, while implementing new ones in the 102nd Precinct.

Residents Turn Out for Crime Prevention by Stephen Geffon - Queens Chronicle

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ime Prevention Officer Lee Petrovits VIN etches car as owner Charles Arndt of Richmond Hill looks on at the Precinct’s crime prevention fair. PHOTO BY STEPHEN GEFFON

More than 100 community residents turned out Saturday afternoon at the Forest Park George Seuffert Sr. Bandshell parking lot to attend the 102nd Precinct’s Crime Prevention Mini Fair.

The fair was co-sponsored by Council- woman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven).

The event featured the NYPD’s free automobile VIN etching service, which marks all windows to deter theft. Residents were also able to register their vehicles in the department’s Combat Auto Theft, Help End Auto Theft and Commuter CAT programs, all free initiatives meant as a deterrent to thieves. Residents whose cars were etched are eligible to receive insurance discounts.

Etching the vehicle identification number on all the windows of a car makes the vehicle a less attractive option for thieves because the VIN number cannot be removed or altered without damaging the window.

The process involves the use of a stencil and glass etching paste.

102nd Precinct Crime Prevention Officer Lee Petrovits said that VIN etching is, “A very beneficial factor in combating grand larcenies in the neighborhood.”

Authorities noted that thieves are most interested in vehicles that are a few years old because they can be easily dismantled for parts. Spare parts for older cars can be harder to find and therefore are more valuable to thieves.

Vehicle theft is the number one property crime in the country — costing Americans about $7.6 billion each year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. A car is stolen in America every 26 seconds, adding up to 1.2 million vehicles annually, the institute reports.

Locally, automobile theft has shown a significant jump in the 102nd Precinct, increasing by 16 percent compared to last year according to NYPD CompStat crime statistics covering the year to date through Aug. 8.

Petrovits has been doing his best to combat that with the 102nd Precinct’s slow, antiquated VIN etching equipment, relegating him to manually type vehicle identification numbers on a typewriter instead of being able to quickly scan them, as allowed by the newer, imaging VIN etching systems.

Petrovits said the equipment he has access to limits the number of residents he can register in the program at each event.

However, that could soon change with the help of elected officials. For one, Crowley said she supports the idea of the precinct getting new VIN etching equipment.

“I believe it is important that our police forces are equipped with the latest and greatest technology needed to keep our streets safe,” Crowley said. “That is why I am committed to helping the 102nd Precinct acquire a new VIN etching machine to fight against auto theft in our community.”

Miller said he will also work with other elected officials to make sure that the 102nd Precinct has the proper equipment to do the job.

Community Comes Out Against Crime by Stephen Geffon - Queens Chronicle

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An estimated 500 residents came out on Tuesday evening to take part in the 106th Precinct and Precinct Community Council’s 27th annual National Night Out Against Crime at Joseph P. Addabbo Park in Tudor Village. Residents took in lively music and entertainment provided by Beat 2 Beat NYC and feasted on a smorgasbord of hot dogs, cookies, candy, popcorn, ice cream and drinks.

The event also featured crime prevention displays, demonstrations of police resources, VIN etching, child fingerprinting, safety information and informational displays by local organizations and businesses.

Members of the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department and New York City Fire Department gave delighted groups of children tours of their fire trucks.

“National Night Out gives the residents of our community the opportunity to enjoy social time with our police precincts,while also allowing the time to highlight the need of working together to make our neighborhood a safer place and to address other public safety issues,” said state Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach).

Click here to view these pictures larger

Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park) agreed, saying, “National Night Out is a significant event not only for our community, but for the entire nation. This event raises awareness for crime and drug prevention and strengthens the neighborhood spirit and police-community relationships.I once again welcome the chance to participate in this event bringing our community together in the fight against crime.”

“National Night Out is always a fun event. It provides a great opportunity for area residents to gather crime prevention information while having a good time spending time with their neighbors in a local park in support of safe neighborhoods and our police department,” said Betty Braton, chairwoman of Community Board 10.

The 102nd Precinct in partnership with the 102nd Precinct Community Council held its National Night Out Against Crime Tuesday evening at Buddy Memorial in Forest Park, Richmond Hill. That event featured live music and entertainment by Heartbreak Station, free food and refreshments, as well as exhibits by police units.

Maria Thomson, president of the 102nd Precinct Community Council, said the event brought residents out in support of the police. “Every day they are out there risking their lives fighting crime on our behalf to protect us,” she said.

National Night Out, an annual event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, was introduced in 1984. NNO is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Man Fatally Slashed While Trying to Save Brother on J Train Platform in Queens, Police Said by Kate Nocera and Jonathan Lemire - NY Daily News

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Dario Paiva, 27, (left) was fatally slashed trying to save his brother on a J train subway platform.

A 27-year-old man rushing to the aid of his brother was fatally slashed in the neck during a fight on a Queens subway platform, police said Saturday.

Dario Paiva tried to save his 20-year-old brother Khristian, who was being pummeled by a group of men at the 85th St.-Forest Pkwy. Station late Friday night, police and relatives said.

But one of the men raked a knife across Dario Paiva's neck - and the devoted brother died at Jamaica Hospital a short time later.

"You don't even know how much sadness and rage I have right now," cried David Poggi, another of the victim's brothers.

"They were trying to rob Khristian, and he called Dario for help," said Poggi, 37. "Dario ran down to help him."

"They were so close," Poggi said. "It's senseless."

Cops swarmed the above ground Woodhaven J train stop in the moments after the 11:30 p.m. stabbing, but no arrests have been made.

"I heard his brother screaming for help," said Junior Rasul, who works at Palace Fried Chicken underneath the platform. " was a really cool kid and didn't look like the kind of guy who was a troublemaker."

Khristian Paiva was treated for minor injuries, police said. Investigators were not immediately certain if the assault on the platform was a robbery attempt, police said.

Poggi said one of his other brothers was killed in a car accident a few years ago, and his heartbroken family was struggling to come to grips with losing Dario, who was taking classes at Kingsborough Community College.

"I can't believe I'm never going to hear him laugh again," said Poggi, his voice shaking. " was a wonderful kid."'

Related articles:

NY Times: Queens Man Fatally Stabbed at Subway Station

NY Post: Man Stabbed to Death in Queens Trying to Save Little Brother

Police Crack Down on Chatty Drivers by Stephen Geffon - Leader-Observer

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On Tuesday, June 22, at the stroke of midnight, police officers from the 102nd and 106th precincts along with officers citywide began a 24-hour crackdown on the use of hand-held cell phones while driving as part the NYPD's focus on traffic infractions linked to death and injury.

Police officials said that officers issued 4,527 summonses across the five boroughs to drivers who were chatting while driving during the 24-hour time frame The 106th Precinct alone issued 27 summonses for this violation. The number of summonses issued by officers of the 102nd Precinct was not available at press time.

Similar efforts from earlier this year resulted in 6,882 summonses handed out on March 25, and 7,485 summonses on January 21, according to NYPD statistics.

Individuals using hand-held cell phones while driving in the city face a fine of $130 ($200 for taxi drivers). Drivers can be fined $150 for text-messaging, though a ticket can only be issued as a secondary offense when a driver gets pulled over for another violation.

Exempt from the crackdown were drivers using their phone to call 911 and those who use hand-free options – their cell phone’s speakerphone feature, wired or wireless Bluetooth headsets, or the Bluetooth connectivity now built into GPS devices.

According to the NYPD, during 2009, police issued on average 617 summonses a day to drivers using hand-held cell phones, a total of 195,579 for the year. On previous crackdowns, NYPD-issued tickets for phoning while driving surpassed the daily average. On October 22, 2009, 7,529 summonses were issued for this infraction, and on August 21, 2009, 7,432 tickets were issued.

In addition to being illegal, “driving while talking on a cell phone is dangerous and endangers both drivers and pedestrians,” the NYPD said in a statement. A police spokesperson added, “it has just been demonstrated that motorists distracted by holding a cell phone while driving and speaking on a hand-held cell phone while driving has led to accidents, including fatalities.”

A University of Utah study found that drivers who talk on their cell phones, or even use a hand-free device, are as impaired as drunken drivers.

Frank Dardani, president of the 106th Precinct Community Council, said the cell phone enforcement shouldn’t be just for one day, “it should be everyday.” Dardani added that in addition to talking on a cell phone, other distractions such as putting on makeup, eating lunch while driving, and drinking hot coffee also pose the danger of an accident.

“Distracted driving in itself should be addressed (by police) on a daily basis,” he added.

Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer said, "crashes due to driver inattention or distraction are all too common and result in far too many tragedies. Drivers must be focused on the road and not on their cell phone conversations. It is unfortunate that this has had to become a police enforcement priority due to people’s lack of compliance with the law.”

Taxi drivers in the city face even more stringent regulations issued by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). Last January, TLC announced new regulations prohibiting the use of all forms of distractive electronic devices for taxicabs, livery, black car, luxury limousine, commuter van, and para-transit vehicles.

“The time has come to put an end to the abuse of distracted driving by taxicab and for-hire vehicle drivers,” said TLC Commissioner Matthew Daus. “First and foremost it is a safety issue, but it is also a customer service issue when a driver’s concentration is split between his cell phone conversation, his driving, and his passenger. There is no reason to wait for a tragedy to occur before drivers get the message that such distractions are dangerous and entirely unacceptable.

“The new regulations create a true 'three strikes and you’re out' reality for TLC-licensed drivers by providing a framework by which their TLC licenses would be revoked for three violations within a 15-month period,” added Daus.

Man Awaits Arraignment In Connection With Wife's Death - NY1.com

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A husband was awaiting arraignment late Friday in connection with the death of his wife, whose dismembered body parts were found inside a suitcase in a Queens park.

Edwin Fuentes of Newark is charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.

The Queens district attorney said Fuentes killed Reina De Los Santos Reyes, seen above, in their Woodhaven apartment in June 2007 and then dismembered her body.

Nearly a year later, a group of teenagers walking in Forest Park found a suitcase containing some of the woman's remains.

Police say Fuentes told them he used to be a butcher.

If convicted, Fuentes faces 25 years to life in prison.

Body Found in Howard Beach; Man Killed in Richmond Hill by Lisa Fogarty - Queens Chronicle

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Two separate incidents that resulted in death were reported on Tuesday, Jan. 19 in the 106th and 102nd Precincts.

At approximately 3:55 p.m., police from the 106th Precinct responded to a report of an unconscious male found inside of Spring Creek Park, located at 92nd Street and 165th Avenue in Howard Beach. Upon arrival, the remains of a badly decomposed, unidentified male was recovered.

The results of an autopsy performed Wednesday afternoon came out inconclusive, according to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. At this time, the male’s name, age, race and cause of death are not known. The investigation is ongoing.

On Tuesday at 11:30 p.m., police from the 102nd Precinct responded to a report of a male stabbed inside of an apartment building on 123rd Street in Richmond Hill. Upon arrival, they found a 28-year-old Hispanic male with one stab wound to his chest. The victim, whose name has not yet been released, was transported to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police confirmed Wednesday that a suspect is in custody in connection with the stabbing.

NYPD 102nd Precinct Needs Help Identifying Suspect in Assault

Officials from the 102nd Precinct are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspect below, who is wanted for questioning for an assault that took place on Nov. 16 at approximately 5 a.m. inside of Medina Hall, located at 76-15 101st Ave., in Ozone Park. The man, armed with a silver handgun, shot a 31-year-old black male in the leg. The victim was taken to Jamaica Hospital in stable condition. The suspect then fled the scene in a silver Infiniti with a Florida license plate.

Anyone with information is asked to submit tips by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-(800) 577-TIPS (8477), logging onto nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting them to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

Forest Park Rape Suspect in Custody by Lisa Fogarty - Queens Chronicle

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A man suspected of rape and sexual assault in Forest Park this year is in custody, police said.

Carl Wallace, 29, from Brooklyn, was arrested on Oct. 28 after cops suspected he is the same man responsible for at least one of the three sexual attacks that took place in or just outside the park within the past five months, the 102nd Precinct confirmed this week. Wallace was denied bail and has been charged with first-degree rape, predatory sexual assault, first-degree robbery and unlawful imprisonment in the first degree.

Wallace’s DNA was found to match that of a 29-year-old woman who was raped on Sept. 24 at around 3 a.m., according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office. The victim was reportedly dragged at knife-point to a wooded area near the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Park Lane South, where the defendant allegedly raped and threatened to stab her if she screamed. After the attack, the man stole cash, an iPod and identification from the victim’s bag before fleeing.

The victim was treated at a Queens hospital, where she immediately submitted to testing that has helped in the capture of her assailant.

It is still unknown if the man is suspected in connection with a rape and a sexual assault that occurred on one day in July in or around the park. At 6 p.m., a 60-year-old woman said a man tried to rip off her clothes while she was exercising near Myrtle Avenue. He fled after she began screaming. At 7:45 that same evening, a 47-year-old woman was reportedly raped while walking near Freedom Drive.

Wallace, whom police said has eight prior arrests, was arraigned in Queens Supreme Court on Nov. 9 and will next appear in court on Nov. 30.

Maria Thomson, president of the 102 Precinct Community Council, said she is among those Woodhaven residents relieved to hear of the arrest. Many area women reported feeling uneasy walking around the park since the incidents occurred this summer.

“They announced the arrests at the community council meeting,” Thomson said. “It was a fact, it was a great fact — we are all very pleased.”

Surprise Visit by Police Commissioner Ray Kelly to the Woodhaven Residents Block Asssociation Meeting - October 21st, 2009

I attended the Woodhaven Residents Block Association (WRBA) October meeting held at the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps on October 21st...

I had been debating whether to go to the 102nd Precinct Community Council meeting or the WRBA meeting since I knew NYPD Police Commissioner Ray Kelly was going to be at the 102nd Pct meeting, but I opted to go WRBA meeting...less hassles and nice people...

Much to my surprise Chief Kelly made an unannounced visit to the WRBA meeting after attending the 102nd Precinct Community Council meeting held at the nearby Moose Hall in Richmond Hill...

I imagine he doesn't have to stop at traffic lights or get speeding tickets, so it's only a few minute drive, lol...

Also in attendance and speaking were State Assemblyman Michael Miller, he spoke about pending and proposed legislature in the New York State Assembly...

City Councilman Eric Ulrich and City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley's representative Kate Mooney spoke about the upcoming municipal elections and initiatives they've undertaken in the community....

And, four members of the Franklin K. Lane student government were on-hand to inform the civic and it's members of their upcoming dance night..

I cross-posted the WRBA blog's newest post regarding their next meeting on November 7th, below the slide show...

Here are a few photos from the meeting...

Click here to view these pictures larger

Woodhaven Town Hall Saturday « Wrba's Blog:...

Here’s a reminder that the next Woodhaven Town Hall will be held this Saturday, November 7th, at 1 PM at the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corp – 78-15 Jamaica Avenue. Do you like the direction the neighborhood is taking? Do you have problems but don’t know where to turn? Do you have good ideas but feel like no one is listening? Then come on down!

We get a healthy turnout — and the meetings are never dull. We also get good attendance from our local represetatives. And sometimes we get a surprise guest, like we did last month when we were visited by New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.

You are more than welcome to come in, sit down and join the discussion!

Police Alleged Threats with a Meat Cleaver - The Queens Courier

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102nd PRECINCT

A man claims that he was threatened with a meat cleaver on September 12 following a dispute in an Ozone Park home.

The victim told police that the suspect, Sarabjeet Sandhu, 57, “held a meat cleaver in his hand, moved said meat cleaver in a chopping motion, and stated, . . . ‘I’m gonna chop your head off,” according to papers obtained from the district attorney’s office.

The victim managed to call 9-1-1 and Sandhu was arrested and charged with menacing in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree and harassment in the second degree.