University Heights: Search for 33-Year-Old Missing Woman

By Síle Moloney

Police confirm a report of a missing 33-year-old woman from a residence on University Avenue, in the University Heights neighborhood of the Bronx, last seen at approximately 1:10 p.m. on Friday, Jun. 5, 2020. The investigation remains active and ongoing. The circumstances into her disappearance remain under investigation as well. She is described as a Black woman, five feet tall, and her hair is in cornrows. She was last seen wearing a gray sweater and orange checkered pants. Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

By Síle Moloney

There is an unconfirmed report of a two-year-old child who is missing following a car theft of a Nissan Ultima from a gas station at Pelham Parkway South and Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx at 9:50 p.m. on Jun. 5, 2020. The vehicle was traveling eastbound on Pelham Parkway towards Williamsbridge Road before it was recovered. The child remains missing. Police tracked the car using phone signals, according to a 911 caller. A description of the child has been requested from NYPD. Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish,

By Síle Moloney

As more protests were set to take place in the Bronx and across the City and country on Friday, Jun. 5, the Bronx protest organized by an Instagram group called “Justice For George NYC”, the New York State Sheriffs’ Association issued the following statement condemning the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed African-American man who died by asphyxiation at the hands of police in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020. “As professional law enforcement officers who have dedicated their careers to saving lives and helping people in need, the Sheriffs of New York State condemn the senseless, shocking action of

By NYC Census 2020

As of May 10, only 47.8 percent of Bronx households have responded to the 2020 Census. If the trend holds, the Bronx stands to lose millions of dollars in funding for our essential services, just at the moment when we’re all relying on them the most. If we don’t fight forces that prevent a full count, our funding for schooling, housing, and hospitals is at risk. The census shapes the funding we get for our public services, and the more of us are counted, the more funding we get. That’s critical money for our hospitals, health care, emergency

By Síle Moloney

Police confirm responding to a 911 call regarding a male shot in front of 2260 Crotona Avenue in the East Tremont area of the Bronx on June 5 at 00:07 a.m. within the confines of the 48th precinct. It was reported that the shooting took place near a courtyard. Upon arrival, officers observed a 21-year-old male with gunshot wounds to the body, and recovered a firearm at the scene. EMS responded and transported the victim to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Additional officers and an Aviation Unit helicopter were called to the scene to assist with the

By Síle Moloney

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a Small Business Emergency Grant Program for small businesses who have been impacted by looting and experienced damage to their storefronts, with Bronx businesses receiving priority. The City will begin providing grants to small businesses of up to $10,000 per business, thanks to $500,000 in initial funds received from SOMOS Community Care. The grants will help with recovery, including repairs, security systems, locks, and more. The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City will work with Small Business Services to assess the level of need throughout the city, with the intent

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

When Frank Pirraglia, 21, saw the devastation caused by looters on Fordham Road last Monday night, he realized it was also a call to action. “After seeing all the violence and destruction, I realized I needed to get out there and do my part to try and help clean up,” he said. On Tuesday morning, it was clear Pirraglia would be part of a larger contingent of volunteers taking swift action to remove the debris left by looters. Such actions were reminiscent of those taken by Bronxites in the 1970s to rebuild their community in the wake of

By Síle Moloney

The New York City Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance identifying the individuals depicted in the attached surveillance photos and video who are wanted for questioning in connection to a burglary that occurred within the confines of the 52nd precinct. The following has been reported to the police. On Wednesday, Jun. 3, 2020 at approximately 00:45 a.m., inside 3220 Jerome Avenue (Toyota Vehicle Storage Facility), several unidentified males gained entry by damaging the locks and doors to the location. Once inside, they ultimately removed 22 vehicles from the facility and fled the location in an

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Melissa Mark-Viverito, former City Council Speaker and candidate in the City’s 15th congressional district, called on Bronx Councilman and fellow candidate, City Council Member Rev. Ruben Díaz Sr. (C.D. 18), to drop out of the race on Wednesday, June 3, via a live Twitter post, calling him “a hoax” and “a huckster.”