Crime

Bronx Gang Member Admits to 2017 Soundview Murder of 16-Year-Old Luis Vargas

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Damian Williams with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Tuesday, Aug. 30, that Nyshiem Spencer a/k/a “Willy,” pled guilty on Tuesday, in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer Willis, to charges relating to his involvement in a shooting on Oct. 31, 2017, in the vicinity of the Soundview Houses in The Bronx, which resulted in the murder of Luis Vargas, 16, along with injuries to two other individuals, including a 15-year-old child.   In the context of the announcement, Williams said, “On Oct. 31, 2017, Nyshiem Spencer opened fire in the


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Bedford Park: Two Sought following Early Morning Robbery at Knifepoint

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  The NYPD is asking for the public’s help identifying the two people seen in the attached photos who are sought for questioning in connection to a robbery that occurred in Bedford Park at the weekend.   It was reported to police that on Sunday, Aug. 7, at around 3.10 a.m. in the vicinity of East 204th Street and Grand Concourse in Bedford Park, a 51-year-old female victim and a 53-year-old male victim were approached by two unidentified men who displayed a knife and stole the victim’s personal property before fleeing the location. No physical injuries were reported following the


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UPDATE Williamsbridge: Two Arrested following Fatal Shooting of 41-Year-Old Man and Injury of Second Man

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The NYPD said two people have been arrested following the fatal shooting of a 41-year-old man, as well as the nonfatal shooting of a second man, who was hospitalized following the incident which took place in the Williamsbridge section of The Bronx on Saturday, Aug. 27.   Police officials said that at around 1.29 p.m. on the day in question, officers from the 47th Precinct responded to a 911 call regarding a man who had been shot at the intersection of East 214th Street and Wilson Avenue.   “Upon arrival, officers observed a 41-year-old male, unconscious and unresponsive with a


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UPDATE 52nd Precinct Community Council Fellowship Recognition Breakfast Held

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The following story is an extended version of the one which appears in our latest print edition.   The bravery and commitment of police officers, along with the contributions of other volunteer and community leaders and elected officials to protecting and uplifting the community, were formally recognized on July 26 during the 52nd Precinct Community Council Fellowship Recognition Breakfast held at Fordham Manor’s Monroe College, located at 2501 Jerome Avenue.   The 52nd Precinct Community Council comprises president, Brenda Caldwell-Paris, vice-president, Gerald (“Jerry”) Landron, treasurer, Grace Seiner, recording secretary, Joy (Syeeda) LaFontaine, sergeant-at-arms, Doug Condition, and council youth representative, law


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Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence Continues Summer BBQ Series as YTD Shootings Fall v 2021

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (B.R.A.G.), a cure violence program created by nonprofit, Good Shepherd Services, is continuing its series of peace barbeques held at various locations within the boundaries of The Bronx’s 46th, 47th and 52nd Precincts throughout the summer months. The “B.R.A.G. Northwest Peace BBQ” was held on Saturday, July 16, in Fordham Manor. The events aim to uplift local communities, and are part of a wider effort to curb the prevalence of ongoing gun violence, particularly among the youth across the borough.   From noon to 5 p.m., kids and adults were seen enjoying themselves along the


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Williamsbridge: Search for Man after Unprovoked Assault at Gun Hill Road Subway

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The NYPD is asking the public’s help identifying the person seen in the attached surveillance photo who is sought regarding an assault that occurred in Williamsbridge.   It was reported to police that on Thursday, Aug. 25, at around 00.15 a.m., the victim, a 28-year-old man, was sitting aboard a southbound line 2 subway at the East Gun Hill Road and White Plains Road subway station, when an unidentified male individual approached him, and without being provoked, struck him with a bag full of food.   The assailant then punched the victim multiple times about the face with a closed


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UPDATE Mt. Hope: 22-Year-Old Male Arrested for Murder following Triple Shooting Incident

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Police said a 22-year-old man has been arrested on murder charges following the shooting in the head of another 22-year-old man in Mt. Eden on Saturday. Two other young men are in hospital, one in critical condition, following the triple shooting.   Police said that on Saturday, Aug. 27, at around 3.50 a.m., police responded to a 911 call regarding a person shot near the corner of East Burnside Avenue and Grand Concourse in Mt. Eden, located in the 46th Precinct.   Upon arrival, officers observed three people with sustained gunshot wounds. The first, a 22-year-old man, had been shot


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Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Murder of Wakefield Man in 2014 During Cannabis Deal

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Damian Williams, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced on Friday, Aug. 26, that defendant, Grant Donavan, pled guilty on Friday in Manhattan federal court to participating in the armed robbery of murder victim, Jercar Brooks, in the Wakefield section of The Bronx on Jan. 23, 2014. As part of his guilty plea, Grant admitted that during the robbery, he shot and killed Brooks.   In the context of the announcement, Williams said, “Eight years ago, Jercar Brooks was murdered inside his apartment in The Bronx. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the New York City Police


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Crotona: Phipps Neighborhoods Hosts Community Health Fair

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronxites showed up in large numbers to Crotona Park for a festive community health fair, hosted by Phipps Neighborhoods’ COVID-19 Disparities Initiative, on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022. According to Phipps Neighborhoods, a non-profit social service provider in New York City, the Day of Action featured free health screenings, a Zumba class, a DJ, face painting, raffles, and a back-to-school giveaway, as well as PPE and COVID-19 home test kit distributions and referrals to health care providers. Andre White, executive director and CEO of Phipps Neighborhoods said the fair offered the organization a great opportunity to partner with community groups to


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