Fracas in University Heights Amid Police Arrest

By Síle Moloney

An assailant wearing a mask punched an unsuspecting police officer, while his partner attempted to arrest another man wanted for robbery in University Heights on Tuesday. A separate altercation ensued shortly afterwards between a female member of the public and a police officer at the same location. Some of the fracas has been captured on video and is circulating on social media. The news comes as NYPD’s resources continue to be stretched due to absences tied to the coronavirus, as well as additional obligations relating to social distancing enforcement during the COVID-19 crisis. Police said that at approximately

By Síle Moloney

Police responded to a complaint about an assault that occurred on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 7:10p.m. in front of 344 East 209th street, in Norwood within the confines of the 52nd Precinct. A 19-year-old female reported to police that while she was trying to break up a fight between two males, she sustained a laceration to her finger. She was not hospitalized as a result of this incident. The investigation continues. Meanwhile, anyone with information with regard to this incident should call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public

By Síle Moloney

The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the 11-year-old female in the attached photo who resides in Soundview, within the confines of the 43rd precinct. Details are as follows: Missing: Cyrie Scott 11-year-old female 1715 Bruckner Blvd Bronx, NY It was reported to the police that Scott was last seen Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 10:50 p.m. at her residence. She is described as female Black, 5’3″, 110lbs, thin build, medium complexion, brown eyes with black hair. She was last seen wearing pink sweat pants and gray Ugg boots. Anyone with information with regard

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s sixth edition (and my final one as editor-in-chief) of the Norwood News is out with plenty of interesting community news stories to read and share. In a rare instance, which we hope will be a regular thing moving forward, we’ve packed a whopping 32 pages into this community paper! So let’s start with page one! Our top story focuses continues our look into the changing Bronx political landscape, which shifted once again after Assemblyman Marcos Crespo announced he will not seek re-election for his seat. The story looks at a number of upcoming races, including two

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By BOB KAPPSTATTER

A Bronx grand jury has indicted a New Jersey man for a horrendous machete attack on a Fordham woman that left her with life-altering injuries. Hector de la Cruz, 27, of Paterson, NJ, was indicted on attempted murder and assault charges in the Feb. 21 attack on his ex-girlfriend inside the lobby of her Fordham Manor apartment building. The Daily News reported the victim was trying to get away from de la Cruz, moving to the Bronx from New Jersey. “The defendant allegedly struck this 20-year-old woman, who is the mother of his two-year-old daughter, in her face, hand and

By DAVID GREENE

With the state’s new bail reform measure in effect for the last two months—and a faction of state senators looking to tweak the law—we asked readers their thoughts on the existing law as it is and whether it’s fair to link the increase in crime to the new law. [Bail reform is] a bad idea. What they’re doing now is not a good idea. I do think bail reform will bring more crime [and] even the police are angry about this. If someone gets arrested today…tomorrow they’re out. Oh yeah, bail was a good idea because some criminals need to

By HENRY MCEACHERN

With concerns on bail reform contributing to a spike in crime, and a dis-information campaign on the new measure fueled by those concerned, Community Board 7 is holding a forum to discuss the future of the state’s new criminal justice reforms, and what these sweeping changes actually mean for the Bronx. The meeting by CB7 is scheduled for on March 12 at 2530 Jerome Ave. at 6:30 p.m. Bail reform eliminates cash bail for misdemeanors, meaning that accused persons can no longer be held in jail before their trial if they can’t afford to get out. Judges can still place

A Tribute for the Bronx's 'Unsung Heroes' and a Vital Bus Stop That Could Be Cut: Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s fifth edition of the Norwood News is out with plenty of interesting community news stories to read and share. We have 28 pages packed full of news from this corner of the Bronx, so let’s start with page one! Our top story focuses on a unique State of the Borough address delivered by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. The speech, Diaz’s penultimate before he heads into retirement in 2021, put the focus on the borough’s men and women who “put in the work” to better the borough. The story focuses on one Fordham local who certainly

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. delivered his annual State of the Borough speech in a rather interesting way, sidestepping its usual ceremonial proclivities that involve absorbing all the attention while unveiling his to-do list for the upcoming year by honoring the borough’s unsung heroes (more on this can be found in our front page story). But missing in that retrospective speech complete with pomp and swagger, bespoke of Diaz’s own personality, were ideas for the borough. Where were they? Checking back on previous state of the borough speeches (unlike this year, his office would send reporters a transcript of