From The New York Shitty Inbox, Part III: What’s Up At 373 Graham Avenue?
Filed under: 11211, Criminal Activity, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Many of the people reading this site are familiar with the phenomenon that is 373 Graham Avenue. For those of you who are not in the know you can get up to speed by clicking here, here and here. Suffice it to say something very, VERY strange is going on there.
A sign has been posted by the ostensible owner of this establishment extolling upon the pleasurable experience that is “central booking”. And if what I have received this correspondence evening is any indication, the author of this tome has gained firsthand experience of just this. Tonight. An anonymous tipster writes:
Hey — you know that weirdo who has that weird storefront with all the weird posters and garbage on the street on Graham Avenue and Skillman? This guy?
The cops just arrested him a few minutes ago. The showed up outside his place around 6:50 and were talking calmly to him for about 20 minutes. Then they handcuffed him and continued talking, until he got quietly in the back of their car. Couldn’t really make out anything they were saying, but as a couple who lives nearby, we were pretty stoked to see this. That guy is a creep.
Per the head of the 94th Precinct, D.I. Hurson, the author of this tome was arrested for menacing someone with a knife. Can I honestly say I am surprised by this? No, not really. This situation has been building critical mass for some time. Yikes!
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Criminal Impersonation
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
This comes from the 94th Precinct via an anonymous tipster:
The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance with the whereabouts of Larry Thomas who is wanted for Criminal Impersonation in the confines of the 94 pct. The circumstances are as follows:
On Tuesday, July 05, 2011 at approximately 1045 hours a M/W/81 was approached by a M/B who stated he was a police officer and displayed a police type shield. The suspect then engaged the victim in conversation about counterfeit money and followed the victim back to his home. While inside the home the suspect displayed several pictures of what he claim to be a wanted perpetrator. The suspect then asked the victim and his daughter if they had any money in the house and stated it might be counterfeit. After being asked for ID by the daughter of the victim, the suspect flees the location in a white 4 door Ford vehicle with New Jersey plates.
The suspect has been identified as Larry Thomas- M/B/57, 5’11″,165 lbs, black hair, brown eyes
Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
All calls are strictly confidential.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Closed!
Filed under: 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
This news (which will undoubtedly make a number of this establishment’s neighbors very happy) comes from the head of the 94th Precinct himself! D. I. Hurson (who forwarded me the above photograph) writes:
FYI we closed Club Europa last night. After numerous incidents, that included Assaults, underage drinking, and a shooting.
From The New York Shitty Photo Pool: ATM Fraud In Greenpoint?
Filed under: 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
If this flyer (as spied by the incomparable Bitchcakes) posted at Apple Bank is any indication, this has transpired.
New York Shitty Day Starter: Razors At The McGolrick Park Playground?
Filed under: 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
This rather disconcerting item comes via the North Brooklyn Community Group (on Facebook):
I saw this on another list today….very freaky…who would do such a thing???
Hi All,
I was talking with the Park’s gardener this afternoon and she asked me… to spread the word and asked that you do the same…This morning one of the McGolrick Park regulars found razor blades taped to the playground equipment. The Park’s people will be checking the equipment every morning for a while but ask that we check ourselves before we let our kids play as an added precaution.
I don’t know whether there is or will be police involvement, e.g.- night patrols. Honestly, the police have been fairly non-responsive thus far regarding park vandalism over the past year but I cannot imagine that this wasn’t reported at least.
Some of the people reading this might recall last year a citizen circulated a petition regarding safety and maintenance issues at this very park. In any case a little extra vigilance never hurts. Be careful folks!
Last Gasp: Officer Shot On Bushwick Avenue
Filed under: 11206, 11211, Bushwick, Bushwick Brooklyn, Criminal Activity, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
I have received a number of inquiries about the serious—and I mean SERIOUS: we’re talking no less than two helicopters— police activity currently transpiring on Bushwick Avenue. Here is how the scene was described to me by a resident/tipster:
Lots of SUVsThey come from both directions on grand and head south on either bushwick or HumboldtOne copter is circling low the other its hovering high upPeople on the street are watching the copters and wondering why they’re thereI saw cops come from the north on both bush wick and Humboldt now
Unfortunately, I strongly suspect the above incident (as found on NYScanner) is what precipitated this. I undoubtedly speak for many reading this (quite frankly shocking) news when I write that I hope this officer makes a full recovery and my heartfelt support goes out to his family and loved ones. I’m shocked. Just shocked.
UPDATE, 11:04 p.m.: Here’s a brief article from the New York Times outlining what happened.
UPDATE, February 2, 2012: I have received word the officer has had the bullet removed and will be okay!
From The New York Shitty Inbox: An Armed Robbery On McGuinness Boulevard?
Filed under: 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
Not one, but two anonymous tipsters write:
…the gas station near Meserole Ave & McGuinness Blvd was robbed (last night).
do you know anything about the shooting last night at the gas station on McGuinness Blvd btw Meserole/ Cayler and the Key Food?
I have reached out the the head of the 94th, Deputy Inspector Hurson, and he has verified that unfortunately this has came to pass. Per Mr. Hurson an employee of this establishment was shot twice (but thankfully is expected to live) and they caught the perp on video. Some might recall there was another armed robbery at the Dunkin Donuts (also on McGuinness Boulevard) earlier this month. Yikes!
Update, 9:34 p.m.: I have just received word an arrest has been made for the Dunkin’ Donuts robbery!
New York Shitty Day Starter: Live From The Joint 90th/94th Precinct Public Safety Meeting
Filed under: 11206, 11211, 11222, Criminal Activity, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
The turnout at last night’s gathering was rather lackluster. I suspect this was largely due to the rather short notice for said convocation and of course the fact it is seriously, painfully cold. However, what I did find interesting is who did show up. A number of reporters, most of the 94th Precinct Community Council and a substantial number of Community Board 1 members including— but not limited to— Chairman Chris Olechowski, General Manager Gerald “Gerry” Esposito, Lisa Bamonte, Phil Caponegro, Tom Burrows and of course Trish (as seen above and who had a lot to say) saw fit to brave the elements and learn what the respective heads of the precincts under the jurisdiction had to say. I for one found this very encouraging. Without further ado here is my footage along with a general outline.
Part I: Introductions are made and the Question & Answer Session begins
- The Q & A session kicks off with an inquiry about the sexual assaults on Withers Street and Maspeth (at Kingsland) Avenue.
- The Maspeth Avenue assault is described at length (very simply put, a woman exiting the L train was separated from her compatriots, got lost and was forced to perform oral sex on her assailant) and has been determined to be an “isolated incident”.
- The incident on Withers Street was purportedly an attempted mugging.
- Concerns/complaints are raised about the homeless shelter which is located on the premises of the former Greenpoint Hospital.
Part II: “Trish”, a member of Community Board 1 and East Williamsburg Greenpoint resident, speaks
- She counters that the “mugging” on Withers Street was also a sexual assault and backs up her assertion with accounts from her neighbors— including the good Samaritan who intervened on the victim’s behalf.
Part III: A question is raised about current crime trends, among other things
- The head of the 90th Precinct, Commanding Officer Kemper, speaks first. He notes that property crimes are the biggest issue. especially those involving electronics. E.g.; cell phones, i-Pads, etc.
- C.O. Kemper makes mention of Operation ID. For those of you who are not familiar with this service (which is offered at every precinct) you can get the low-down by clicking here.
- He also makes mention of the shooting which came to pass New Year’s Day on Manhattan Avenue.
- When questioned about outreach by an attendee he notes that the 90th Precinct has Community Council meetings the second Wednesday of every month.
- C.O. Kemper reiterates that he wants to hear from the public— especially anyone who might have information about the perpetrator responsible for the sexual assault on Maspeth Avenue.
Part IV: D.I. Hurson of the 94th Precinct speaks
- D.I. Hurson gives a general rundown of the stats he gave at the last 94th Precinct Community Council Meeting.
- He notes that in 2011 three rapes came to pass in his precinct. In all three of these cases the victim knew her assailant. Hence, the sexual assault on Maspeth Avenue was different.
- D.I. Hurson assures residents who live on the border of his and C.O. Kemper’s precincts (94th and 90th respectively) that they are in constant communication with each other. He cites a recent shooting at the Cooper Park Houses (apparently misconstrued as a shooting at Cooper Park proper) as an example.
Part V: D.I. Hurson, continued
- Guido, the equally comparable half to Trish, speaks. He makes the case for a more visible police presence. He also notes that the person who identified the Withers Street assailant was afraid to testify and that in his (this being Guido’s) time “We would have taken care of it ourselves”. Guido also defines what constitutes Greenpoint. READ: it ain’t 11222. I like Guido.
- Guido adds that more lighting along Maspeth Avenue is needed.
- An attendee asks what, if anything, is being done about policing areas which are saturated with bars (Bedford Avenue, Grand Street and Graham Avenue, for example).
- C.O. Kemper of the 90th Precinct steps up to the plate. He makes mention of monthly meetings with nightclub/bar owners.
- An attendee asks a number of very compelling questions. Firstly, she asks if CPR training is still in effect. Secondly, she asks about the staffing level at the 94th Precinct. Lastly she notes with the increase in population in the 94th Precinct there should be a commensurate increase in police staffing.
- D.I. Hurson notes that the 94th Precinct is currently down staff-wise. However, it is due to get more new recruits.
- Same-said citizen notes that a number of new residents in north Brooklyn are not from New York City and as such are not acclimatized to the risks posed in such a city (READ: “street smarts”)— and that this may be a source of crime.
- Interesting fact: apparently 911 calls have some part in officer allocations to precincts in New York City.
- Questions of surveillance are raised by an attendee. D.I. Hurson notes this has been implemented at the Cooper Park Houses but not the precinct in general. He adds the Cooper House surveillance cameras were largely responsible for apprehending two shooting suspects.
Part VI: Discussion about surveillance cameras continues
- The aforementioned citizen notes the intersection of Maspeth Avenue and Kingsland Avenue, where the sexual assault came to pass, was also the location of a homicide in 2004. He also notes that the terminus of Kingland Avenue at Maspeth Avenue has a community garden and the Greenpoint Hospital, e.g.; there are very few eyes on the street. He requests a camera be placed there.
- Another resident reiterates that the area around Maspeth Avenue and Kingsland Avenue is rife with criminal activity, especially drug dealing.
- The question of Safe Havens is raised (which was apparently put in place as a result of a spike in crimes in Williamsburg ten years ago).
- D.I. Hurson says this is not something he would oppose.
- A member of the 94th Precinct Community Council speaks about the proposed homeless assessment center at 400 McGuinness Boulevard. Namely, that work is being conducted there.
- Rami Metal, Community Liaison for City Councilman Steve Levin, confirms that there is work underway, that the city has green-lighted this facility and a community-based law suit to fight it is in the works.
- D.I. Hurson states that he has met the person who is developing the homeless shelter (presumably Muzzy Rosenblatt of Bowery Residents Committee— Ed. Note.) and that this person has assured him that things will be “just fine” and cited the example of BRC’s shelter on the Bowery as an example. 400 McGuinness, as told to D.I. Hurson, will not be a place to simply house homeless men but to (and I quote) “rehabilitate” them.
- Lisa Bamonte, member of Community Board 1, also states the case for an increased police presence (READ: beat officers).
- D.I. Hurson notes that overall staffing for police departments is down. Approximately 41,000 in 2001 versus approximately 35,000 currently. He adds that he mostly puts “beat” officers on Manhattan and Bedford Avenue.
- Ms. Bamonte suggests some be assigned to Graham Avenue— particularly the Graham Avenue stop of the L train.
Part VII: Lincoln Restler Speaks
- The most notable point Mr, Restler makes is about RightRides. A totally free service which is available to women and the LGBTQ community to ensure they get home safely. NOTE: RightRides, for lack of any volunteers, did not have this available New Year’s Eve/Day in north Brooklyn.
Part VIII: Wrapping it up
- Trish asks about the guns for cash program. She is assured by both the heads of the 94th and 90th Precinct that any and all tips/information about illegal handguns are welcome. You can view English and Spanish fliers which C.O. Kemper mentions by clicking here and here.
- Lisa Bamonte inquires as to how parks can be policed of sex offenders/seedy characters.
- It is noted by a member of the 94th that all parks have signs posted that all adults must be accompanied by children and, upon Ms. Bamonte asking about enforcement of these rules is assured summonses are issued by the Parks Enforcement Police (PEP) for just this. NOTE: unless I am wrong, there is one PEP officer assigned to the entirety of Community Board 1.
After the meeting I informed Ms. Bamonte that I, a child-free woman, was once asked by a concerned mother if I had children while patronizing a playground. I told this person I didn’t and after looking me up and down she determined I was “probably okay”.
New York Shitty Day Ender: From The Joint 90th/94th Precinct Meeting
Filed under: 11211, Criminal Activity, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
I attended this evening’s gathering and am currently in the process of uploading footage. It goes without saying I will be sharing this— along with a general outline of said proceedings— on this site. In the interim, however, I want to pass along this flier they have created of the suspect wanted regarding the sexual assault which came to pass on Maspeth Avenue in the wee hours of New Year’s Day. Those of you who wish to do so can download a printable version of this for distribution and/or posting by clicking here.
From The New York Shitty Inbox, Part II: Another Robbery At Dunkin’ Donuts
Filed under: 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
This comes from New York’s Finest via an anonymous tipster:
The New York City Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the following individual wanted for a gun point robbery in the confines of the 94 precinct.
On Monday, January 16, 2012 at approx. 2120 hours, the suspect, a M/H/25-30 years old, entered Dunkin Donuts located at 356 McGuinness Blvd, where he approached the counter person and displayed a black handgun and ordered the worker to open the cash register. The suspect then removed an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register and fled in a black auto with a grey or white hood. There were no injuries during this incident.
The suspect is described as a M/H/25-30 years old, approx. 5’9 – 5’10″ tall and medium build.
Suspect was wearing a Yankees baseball hat, black sweatshirt, black vest, grey sweatpants and white sneakers
Anyone with information in regard to this incident or the identity of this suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-80-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
All calls are strictly confidential.
As some of you have undoubtedly noticed, the title of this post indicates that this is not the only robbery to have transpired at this establishment. The previous one, also an armed robbery, came to pass September 29, 2011.
NYS Flickr Pool
