UPDATE Norwood: 14-Year-Old Student Slashed in Williamsbridge Oval Park

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Police from the 52nd precinct are investigating the slashing of a 14-year-old boy in Williamsbridge Oval Park in Norwood which took place over the weekend. The NYPD confirmed that on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 4.40 p.m., a 14-year-old boy was playing basketball [in the specified park, located at 3224 Reservoir Oval E.] when a male assailant approached him and slashed him on the cheek. The victim was removed to Jacobi Medical Center in stable condition. According to the victim’s mother, whose identity we are not disclosing, the assailant is known to the victim as they were former classmates

By DAVID GREENE

Proclaiming that New York City was back open, after an almost 18-month long shutdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday, Sept. 13, that recreation centers across the city were once again open. However, at least one center in the Bronx has remained closed to the public as of Friday, Oct. 1. Speaking at the Sept. 13 press conference, De Blasio told New Yorkers, “We’re coming back, and we’re coming back in so many ways, and it’s not just about work.” He added, “It’s about the ways we have fun, and the ways that

Local People Reported Missing in the last Two Weeks A 16-year-old mother and a three-month-old baby have been reported missing in Fordham Heights. Click here for more details. A 15-year-old boy was reported missing (for the 3rd time in three weeks) in Williamsbridge. Click here for more information. A 23-year-old man from Olinville was reported missing in Williamsbridge. Click here for more information. An 8-year-old girl from Norwood who had been reported missing in Norwood has since been found. More details are available here. Stop the Violence Rally A Stop the Violence rally will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 13,

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a mother and daughter who were reported missing from Fordham Heights, in the 46th precinct. The two were last seen on Sept. 29, at approximately 9.30 p.m., leaving their home. Melissa Gonzalez, a mother of 2195 Grand Concourse, is described as a 16-year-old Hispanic girl. Her clothing description on the date of her disappearance was unknown. Josmely Gonzalez is Melissa’s daughter and lives with her at the same address. She is described as being 3 months old, Hispanic, and also had an unknown clothing description as of the date of

By DAVID GREENE

Having been closed for more than a year, due to the citywide shutdown brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, the Mosholu branch of New York Public Library (NYPL), like many others, reopened to the public in July, as reported. In August, it held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of its refurbished, outdoor patio to the general public, and it’s proving a big hit. Library officials and residents celebrated the opening on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the Mosholu branch, located at 285 East 205th Street in Norwood, where they handed out free book bags, computer and e-book tutorial

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the different COVID-19 vaccine mandates that are now in effect, and whether they agree with them. “Honestly, it’s really a mixed bag because vaccines do work to an extent, but then we have heard about those who have been vaccinated getting “break out” cases, but generally, those cases that have COVID, they don’t show symptoms. Yet, they’re still a health liability because they can still transmit [the virus]. Maybe they don’t. I just think, right now, with the misinformation going on, and the weaponization of information to make the vaccine

By DAVID GREENE

Police are looking for an unidentified man who pulled a knife on a 32-year-old female store employee, after the man was caught attempting to steal items from a store in Fordham Manor. The incident took place on the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 25, inside a store at 133 East Fordham Road. The victim told officers that the suspect entered the store and removed items from a shelf. When she confronted him, he pulled out the knife and then left the store. NYPD Detective Annette Shelton said the victim was not injured, and the NYPD is continuing its search for

By DAVID GREENE

The FDNY responded to a fire inside a 5-story building on Briggs Avenue in Bedford Park. Fire officials said the fire broke out on the top floor at 2821 Briggs Avenue, at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25. The fire was brought under control at 12:15 p.m. and there were no reported injuries. Norwood News received an unofficial report of a fire truck crash at the corner of East Fordham Road and Washington Avenue in Belmont, at 12:35 p.m. on the same day. FDNY declined to respond to a pair of requests about the apparent FDNY crash or whether the

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 15-year-old boy who was reported missing from Williamsbridge for the third time in three weeks. Elijah Pratt-Johnson, 15, of 3638 Holland Avenue in the Bronx was last seen on Wednesday, Sept. 29, at approximately 2.45 a.m., leaving his home. He is described as male, approximately 5 feet, 6 inches tall, Black, weighs 100 pounds, and was last seen wearing a blue, long-sleeve shirt, blue jeans, and brown sneakers. A photo of Elijah is attached. As reported, Elijah was previously reported missing on Sept. 17. He was reported