Chief Promises Police Around Racino by Stephen Geffon - Queens Chronicle: South Queens News

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As the September opening day for the Resorts World New York casino in South Ozone Park edges closer, nervous neighborhood residents concerned about their safety were assured by Patrol Borough Queens South Assistant Chief James Secreto that the police manpower necessary to protect them will be provided.

Secreto told the members of the 106th Precinct Community Council at their meeting last week that if top police officials don’t give him the additional officers he has requested, he will provide them from the borough’s resources.

“One way or another we are going to have cops there,” said Secreto.

Residents fear that the influx of an estimated 8.4 million people a year into the neighborhood will add traffic and increase the risk of crimes and quality of life issues. Some expressed concern that prostitutes may be drawn into the area.

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) has also voiced the concerns of his constituents and recently asked for additional police officers for the 106th Precinct in advance of the casino’s opening.

“While the new racino is scheduled to open later this summer, many of my constituents are still concerned about the level of police protection the community will receive from the NYPD,” Ulrich wrote in a recent letter to Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. “Despite the fact that vehicular and foot traffic will increase, it still remains unclear if and when the local precinct will receive additional police personnel. Undoubtedly, more police officers will be needed to patrol the residential neighborhoods surrounding the facility.”

David Quintana of Ozone Park told Secreto that he saw a large contingent of police officers standing around the New York Stock Exchange building in Manhattan. He said that in light of the expected 30,000 visitors a day coming into the neighborhood surrounding the casino, “we could use some of those officers out here.”

On the noise abatement front, the precinct’s ongoing effort to quiet troublemakers resulted in the issuance of 26 noise summonses during the period from May 30 to June 5, according to Community Affairs officer Ken Zorn.

He added that 32 noise summonses were issued the week before.

A Lindenwood resident complained that cars are still speeding through area stop signs without stopping. Capt. Thomas Pascale told him officers would be made aware of this problem.

With the Fourth of July approaching, 106th Precinct police officers will be taking a zero-tolerance stance on fireworks use.

“For children’s safety and the safety of all residents, we are going to make sure that we prevent the discharge of fireworks,” said a police department official.

Fireworks burn at an extremely high temperature and can quickly burn through clothing and skin, causing serious injuries. Items such as sparklers are mistakenly thought to be safe, when even they can be very dangerous, the officers said, adding that fireworks should only be handled by trained professionals.

Pascale said that 40 additional police officers will be assigned to the precinct’s fireworks detail on July 4.

He also said that a police command post will be set up in front of the Starbucks store on Crossbay Boulevard.

Prostitution Sting Op Upsets Neighborhood by Stephen Geffon - Queens Chronicle

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A 106th Precinct undercover prostitution sting operation in South Ozone Park has angered some residents who live on the block where it was conducted.

Police asked the Chronicle not to disclose the location of the block to protect the undercover operation.

Several of the block’s residents voiced their concerns about the sting at last week’s precinct meeting.

A spokesman for the group, who did not give his name, said the residents were worried because people who did not know about the police sting believed the block to be a hangout for prostitutes.

“It makes our block look bad,” he said. “There are no prostitutes, no johns, no drugs [here].”

Capt. Thomas Pascale, commanding officer of the 106th Precinct, said this is the first time he has received such a complaint, despite the fact that the precinct conducts many operations.

Precinct Community Affairs Officer Ken Zorn said after the meeting that police have received complaints from residents that prostitutes are using some motels in the community.

Zorn said that based on the public's complaints, police officers have conducted prostitution sting operations at different locations throughout the precinct.

Other stings include checking retail establishments for unlawful sales of cigarettes and alcohol to minors and checking on pawn shops, Zorn said.

Another resident expressed her concern about the homeless men residing at the Skyway shelter in South Ozone Park. Residents have been upset with the city’s recent decision to house single adult males at the shelter instead of families, as had been the case.

“When we observe the homeless men doing an illegal activity we will take police action,” Zorn said.

Police have increased their patrols in the area around Skyway, Zorn said. Also, additional police officers have been assigned in and around PS 124, located two blocks from the shelter. Plainclothes officers have been assigned to patrol the area, and a police officer has been assigned to patrol PS 124 at school dismissal time.

Trespass affidavits have been secured from the gas station near the shelter, allowing officers to arrest individuals if they are trespassing there.

Police said they will disseminate information about any sex offenders at the shelter to the community.

Photos from 106th Precinct Community Council Meeting and Cop of the Month on April 13th...

At this month's 106 Precinct Community Council Meeting Commanding Officer Thomas Pascale introduced Lt. Christopher Charles, who is replacing retiring Lt. Joseph Salvato.

Click here to view these pictures larger

Lt. Salvato was awarded the Cop of the Month for April for his 22+ years of service to the NYPD, the last five being at the 106th, he had served five previous years at this Precinct as Police Officer.

Lindenwood Alliance Discusses Crime in Howard Beach by Stephen Geffon - Leader-Observer

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More than 50 people attended the Lindenwood Alliance’s most recent meeting at the Rockwood Park Jewish Center in Howard Beach last week, a good showing for the young civic association.

“This shows we have issues in Lindenwood that need to be addressed,” said the group’s co-founder Joanne Ariola regarding the number in attendance.

The Lindenwood Alliance was founded last December by Ariola and Christina Gold to promote cooperation between residents, police, and elected officials in the area.

“Each little area in Howard Beach has its own very specific issues, and we wanted to have a unified voice for Lindenwood,” Ariola said.

Ariola told the audience that burglaries and auto thefts were two major issues in the community, which 106th Precinct Community Affairs Officer Brenda Bratcher discussed at the meeting.

Bratcher reported that in Lindenwood during 28 days between February and March, there had been one robbery, one felony assault, three burglaries, two grand larcenies and two auto thefts. She said the burglaries in the area have occurred between 76th and 88th streets and 149th and 156th avenues.

According to Bratcher, among the most frequently stolen items were money, jewelry and electronics including cameras, computers and large screen televisions. Bratcher said that in most cases the perpetrators entered apartments from the fire escapes.

“If you see anyone suspicious entering or exiting a property, don’t wait, call 911,” she said.

Bratcher told attendees that there was a recent home invasion at 149th Avenue and 88th Street. Since there was an ongoing investigation into the incident, she said she could not provide any additional details. However, she was able to say that there were four alleged perpetrators involved, two of whom have been captured.

FBI Special Agent James Capozzi also addressed the residents and asked them to participate in the FBI’s InfraGard program, designed to help keep the city’s infrastructure safe from future terrorist attacks.

“By raising your awareness, you are better positioned to let us know what you might see that we should respond to,” he told the audience.

Though still not widely known, InfraGard has been in existence since 1996. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took over responsibility for InfraGard in 2003.

The effort is an association of businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement agencies and other participants dedicated to sharing information and intelligence to prevent hostile acts against the U.S.

Today, InfraGard’s protection efforts involve a close working relationship between the FBI and the private sector, as well as other agencies, including DHS, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Small Business Administration.

Membership in the InfraGard program is free. To join, or for further information, contact infragardteam@infragard.org or visit infragard.net.

Car Thief Surprised by Child in Backseat by Stephen Geffon - Queens Chronicle

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A man who stole a car idling near this deli was shocked to find a child in the back seat, police said. PHOTO BY ANNA GUSTAFSON

A car thief who jumped into an idling car outside a bodega in South Ozone Park last week got the surprise of his life when he discovered a 9-year-old boy sitting in the back seat, police said.

The boy’s father, Robert Collins, 53, of South Richmond Hill, had allegedly left his son, Omar, in his four-door red Honda Accord while he popped into the mini market at the corner of 109th Avenue and the Van Wyck Expressway around 7:45 a.m. last Friday, according to police.

When Collins returned, he found that his car and his son were gone.

Luckily, however, he had left his cell phone in the car, which he quickly dialed.

When the phone rang the thief allegedly told the youngster, “Tell him everything is OK, and I’m going to drop you and the car off.”

The man told the child his father could find him at 231st Street and Conduit Avenue, police said.

The youngster described the perpetrator to police as a black man in his 30s with a medium build, a thin beard, black coat and black hat. He remains at large.

Police found the car about 15 minutes after it was taken at the Laurelton intersection specified by the thief. The child was found in the car unharmed.

A police official told the Wall Street Journal that the father could be charged with several offenses for leaving his son in a running vehicle, but it was unlikely that he would be. When the NYPD was contacted by the Queens Chronicle, this could not be confirmed.

Canine units brought to the scene to locate the suspect followed a scent to a vacant house on Lansing Avenue, but from there the trail went cold, police said.

Officers dusted the Honda for prints are reportedly studying surveillance video to try and identify the alleged car jacker.

News from Assembly Member Audrey Pheffer...

Assemblywoman Pheffer Welcomes Queens County American Legion to Albany - March 24, 2011

(Pictured l-r: James Casey, Past NYS Department Commander; Assemblywoman Pheffer; Denis McEneaney, Past Department of NY Vice Commander and John Severa, Commander 10^th District)

Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D-Queens) was pleased to welcome the Queens County American Legion members to Albany to discuss their legislative agenda for 2011.

The Queens County American Legion members were in Albany as part of the New York State American Legion Legislative Day.

Statement from Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer Regarding Recent Incidents of Bias - March 24, 2011

“I am dismayed and saddened upon learning of the incidents of bias that have occurred in the area over the past two days. It is disheartening to see such acts of prejudice that demonstrate a complete disregard for the struggles and sacrifices endured by others. I am confident that the officers of the 106^th Precinct will do all that is in their power to identify and bring to justice those responsible for these despicable acts,” said Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer.

Assemblywoman Pheffer Congratulates Regent Kathleen M. Cashin - March 14, 2011

(Pictured l-r: Regent Kathleen M. Cashin and Assemblywoman Pheffer)

Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D-Queens) was pleased to congratulate Regent Kathleen M. Cashin on her recent election to the Board of Regents. Regent Cashin has served the students of New York City for over 40 years prior to her election. Regent Cashin was the regional superintendent for Region 5 which included Community School District #27. She will serve as a Regent for the 2^nd Judicial District.

Assemblywoman Pheffer Joins with Senator Flanagan To Provide Women With The Tools Needed For Early Detection Of Breast Cancer - March 9, 2011

Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D-Queens) is pleased to announce that she has joined with Senator John Flanagan to introduce legislation that would provide stronger preventative health care for women. The legislation requires insurance companies to cover the cost of supplemental screening for women who have dense breast tissue or who are at greater risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The legislation would also require that every report a radiologist issues to a patient following a mammogram include information on breast density and information on the availability and usefulness of further screenings. This information will empower women to be more informed about their own medical situation so that they are better equipped to speak with their physicians and make decisions about their own health care.

According to leading medical studies, breast cancer is five times more likely in women with dense breast tissue but mammograms alone miss up to 40% of tumors that are present in women with dense breast tissue. By requiring insurance companies to cover supplemental screening tools and doctors to notify their patients of increased risk associated with dense breast tissue, it is believed that this will lead to earlier detection and greater survival rates.

“Breast Cancer has touched the lives of so many New Yorkers. It is important that we enact this legislation to ensure that women have access to the life-saving tools available, and are armed with all the information possible to fight against this disease,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer.

The legislation was spurred when the legislators were contacted by Ms. JoAnn Pushkin of Dix Hills, a breast cancer survivor turned advocate and co-founder of D.E.N.S.E. (Density Education National Survivors’ Effort). Ms. Pushkin’s cancer was diagnosed later than necessary as her annual mammograms were unable to detect a tumor through dense breast tissue. Ms. Pushkin worked closely with Senator Flanagan’s office to write the legislation and continues to work with him to make sure that the measure becomes law in New York State.

“JoAnn has been a tireless advocate for this legislation and I look forward to working with her and others to get this legislation passed in New York State,” said Senator Flanagan. “Women throughout our state should have the right to access all relevant medical information and our state has an obligation to make sure that those rights are protected.”

“When women aren’t told about their own breast density, and its inherent risk, we are denied the opportunity and choice to protect and advocate for ourselves. If early detection saves lives is still the golden rule, it is a safety net often denied women with dense breasts. It’s hard to protect yourself against what you haven’t even been told is a threat. It’s impossible to begin a dialog about additional screening tools if you don’t even know you should be asking about it. No one, especially any doctor involved in my health care, should have the option to keep any pertinent health information about me, from me. New York women owe much to Senator Flanagan and Assemblywoman Pheffer for bringing public awareness to this issue and for their efforts in introducing this groundbreaking legislation,” said Ms. Pushkin.

The State of Connecticut is currently the only state in the nation that requires this coverage. “With this life-saving legislation, the state of New York will be joining Connecticut to ensure that women are informed of their breast density for the early detection of breast cancer. A recent Harris Interactive survey found that 95% of women do not know their breast density even though it is a risk factor, and, only one in 10 women find out about breast density from their physician. With this legislation women will now receive critical information about their breast density and have access to reliable screening tools to find cancer when most treatable and the survival rate is high. The women of D.E.N.S.E. and I never had that opportunity,” added Dr. Nancy M. Cappello, President and Founder of Are You Dense, Inc. (www.areyoudense.org), co-founder of D.E.N.S.E. and the inspiration behind Connecticut’s legislation.

Assemblywoman Pheffer Welcomes Persaud Family to Albany – March 11, 2011

(Pictured l-r: Mr. & Mrs. Persaud, Assemblywoman Pheffer, Nadia Persaud and her Grandmother)

Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D-Queens) was pleased to welcome to Albany Nadia Persaud from M.S. 137-Q in Ozone Park, NY accompanied by her parents and grandmother on March 2, 2011. Nadia was selected by the New York Art Teachers Association to be a part of the 21^st Statewide Legislative Student Art Exhibit.

Also selected was Chistopher Poveda of M.S. 137-Q who was unable to make the trip to Albany. The Art Teacher who submitted their art work is Rose Aranya.

Noose Found Hanging Outside Apt Building, Near School by Francesca Maxime - WPIX

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It's a disturbing reminder of hate, in Howard Beach. A noose was found hanging from a tree outside an apartment complex, and right near Walter Ward elementary school, Wednesday. The noose was not on school property, however.


People who live in the Lindenwood section of Howard Beach were surprised to learn someone had hung a noose in this day and age. One mother who'd lived in the neighborhood for 46 years said she was 'shocked,' and concerned because her son attends Walter Ward. Another resident said that while the neighborhood had experienced racial tensions int he past, he thought people living in this diverse area, now got along.


Senator Shirley Huntley had this to say about the incident: 'We know all too well that symbols of hatred fuel an atmosphere of intolerance and anger that can endanger lives. That is why it is disturbing to hear that a noose was hung from a tree near a public school in Lindenwood. I am outraged by this evil display. It is a painful reminder of the darkest chapters in our nation's history and proof that we must remain vigilant.'


Senator Huntley also thanked area police officers, for investigating the incident as a possible hate crime."

Man Who Burned Girlfriend Sentenced to Prison: DA by Anna Gustafson - Queens Chronicle

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An Ozone Park man who pleaded guilty to brutally attacking his girlfriend with a hot iron and slicing her with a razor blade in the same room where their children slept was sentenced to 13 years in prison, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

Eric Persaud, 36, also made more than 400 phones calls from Rikers Island in an attempt to stop his 27-year-old girlfriend from testifying against him at trial, Brown said.

“His actions were both cruel and sadistic,” Brown said in a prepared statement.

Persaud’s attorney, Judah Maltz, said he had no comment on the sentence handed down by Queens Supreme Court Judge Gregory Lasak on March 16.

According to the charges, Persaud began an argument on April 30, 2009 with his live-in girlfriend, the mother of his two children, over her having called the police a week prior regarding an incident in which he broke her computer and smashed her home phone. During the argument, Persaud held a knife to the woman’s throat and told her if she called the police again he would kill her or their children, according to the charges.

He then led her into the bedroom and told her he would have to scar her for calling the police, Brown said.

Persaud proceeded to tell her to plug in an iron and burn her face with it, the DA said. When his girlfriend refused, Persaud told her he would burn her face and if she screamed and woke the children, who were sleeping in the bedroom, he would scald them too, according to the charges.

After being forced to kneel on the ground, Persaud forced a towel into her mouth and placed the iron on both cheeks three times and used a razor to slash her face twice, Brown said.

The woman was hospitalized for 11 days following the attack, the DA said.

NYPD was Insensitive at Parade - Organizer by Anna Gustafson - Queens Chronicle

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The Phagwah parade has drawn thousands of people to Richmond Hill to celebrate the Hindu holiday Holi for more than two decades, and organizers wanted the event to basically be the same as it always has been — crowds of people dancing, singing and, what is often the trademark of the event, throwing colorful powder.

But this year, some involved in Sunday’s parade said some of the police who were not from the 106th and 102nd precincts were culturally insensitive and aggressively took powder from individuals, including from women’s purses.

More than 25,000 people came to Richmond Hill last weekend to celebrate Holi, a religious holiday celebrated to mark the coming of spring. Celebrations are held across the world, most of which include participants throwing colorful powders at each other.


“The NYPD brought police from all over who had no idea about this parade, what it is, and they could be very insensitive to the nuances of the parade and the culture,” said Roy Singh, a parade organizer. “They went into ladies’ pocketbooks on the floats. They were very belligerent in seizing the powder. They even pushed people aside to get onto the floats.”


Singh emphasized they had no problems with officers from the local 106th and 102nd precincts, but with officers who did not know the area. He said of the approximate 100 officers there, there were about 28 from the 106th and 102nd precincts.


A police spokeswoman said they were both following a city law that was implemented after the anthrax scare in 2001 that does not allow individuals to use powder along parade routes and working to accommodate parade organizers, who she said had requested that police ensure parade goers did not throw powder along the route. Police did allow individuals to throw the colorful dye at the Smokey Oval Park in Richmond Hill.


One week after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, letters containing anthrax were mailed to two U.S. Senators and a number of news media offices, which killed five people.


The NYPD spokeswoman noted there were no summonses or arrests in relation to the confiscation of powder on Sunday.


Police from the 106th and 102nd precincts, which have been monitoring the parade for years, said they had a good time at the event.


“I thought the organizers did a great job, and I had a great time,” said Officer Ken Zorn of the 106th Precinct.


Vishnu Mahadeo, president of the Richmond Hill Economic Development Council, agreed the police were too aggressive in confiscating the powder.


“When you take away the powder, it’s like having Christmas without a Christmas tree,” Mahadeo said. “The police took the key element out.”


Mahadeo said police took powder, confetti and perfume away from him, his wife and his 12-year-old child as they walked toward the parade route but were not on the route itself. He said hundreds of bags were confiscated. Police could not verify how much was taken.
“This is not an acceptable practice,” Mahadeo said. “This is a part of our culture and an intrusion into our culture and customs.”


Mahadeo said he and others are considering legal action against the police.


“This community is becoming very conscious, it’s no longer a first-generation immigrant community,” he said. “We’re second-, third-generation Americans, and it’s sad we’re being treated in this type of disrespectful manner.”


Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) said he was looking into what happened at the parade.


“We’re disappointed because this is a celebration of their culture and traditions, and we’re still trying to talk to police about why it was confiscated and how we can move forward so that in the future they can have their celebration without being worried.”


Singh said organizers have aired their concerns to the NYPD, and he said police have asked them to draft a document about the holiday for them to disseminate to officers in the future.


“The 106th and 102nd police already understand us, but it’s the other police that we want to give this to,” Singh said of the document.

BREAKING NEWS: Ozone Park Shooting Sends One to Hospital; Cops by Anna Gustafson - Queens Chronicle -

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One man was sent to the hospital after a man opened fire on a car on Cross Bay Boulevard in Ozone Park, police said.

Three men were involved in a midday shooting Friday on a busy street packed with pedestrians, sending one elderly person to the hospital and leaving residents shaking, police said.

“I was right next to the man when he started shooting,” said a delivery woman who was unloading goods from her Little Debbie truck outside of C-Town at the intersection of Cross Bay Boulevard and Sutter Avenue when the shots rang out around 12 p.m. “I was so close I saw the smoke from the gun. I was just hoping he wouldn’t turn around and shoot me.”

The shooter, who was described as a man in his early 30s, fired five shots at a car by the intersection of Cross Bay and Sutter, according to the witness. The man in the car was reportedly not hurt, but an elderly man across the street was shot in the hand, police said.

The bystander was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was in stable condition Friday afternoon, police said.

The shooter and the two men with him, also described as being in their 30s, fled the scene by foot on Sutter Avenue, the witness said. Police said they have not made any arrests.

“I heard one of the guys ask another guy, ‘Is that him? Is that him?’” said the Little Debbie employee, who did not want to give her name for fear of retaliation. “When he says yeah, the guy pulls out a revolver and starts shooting, right there in broad daylight on Cross Bay.”

Other residents who did not witness the shooting but heard about it said they felt nervous allowing their children to walk around the area.

“You think you’re safe when it’s the middle of the day and you’re in a busy place,” said Roberta, a mother of two who did not want to give her last name. “I just want to get my kids in the house and stay there.”

106 Pct Community Council Meeting - March 9th, 2011...Cop of the Month

Council President Frank Dardani, Detective Orin Cox, Captain Thomas Pascale and PO Kevin Desormeau...

Members of the 106 Pct Explorer  troop with Officer Brenda Brascher were honored at the meeting...

106th Cop Returns to Work After Shock by Stephen Geffon - Queens Chronicle

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A 106th Precinct police officer who received an electric shock that knocked him to the ground and sent him to the hospital is now back on his feet.

The officer, who police declined to identify, returned to work last week, theysaid.

When the officer opened the door to the Sky Watch tower at Liberty Avenue and 133rd Street at 3:40 p.m. on Jan. 27, he received a jolt of electricity that caused him to fall, police said. An NYPD spokesperson said the officer was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where doctors determined he had fractured his left shoulder.

Sky Watch towers are elevated observation booths police use across the city.

A Con Edison spokesperson said the company could not determine what caused the electrical surge. Company technicians checked the Sky Watch tower’s electrical system after the Jan. 27 incident and found it to be working properly with no stray voltage, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson noted the company ordered the power disconnected as a precautionary measure.

When a Chronicle reporter checked for the tower at Liberty Avenue location last Friday, he found it was no longer there. The NYPD said it was put out of service.

The tower was part of a crime deterrent program initiated by the NYPD in mid-2007, police officials said.

Police said officers in the observation booth atop the two-story towers have a line of vision that gives them the ability to continually monitor conditions in a large area. Atop the booths are digital cameras that record images 24 hours a day, even when the perch is not manned.

The towers, which cost $90,000 each, are also equipped with high-powered spotlights that can illuminate the area when needed.

NYPD: Cops Shooter Arrested by Stephen Geffon - Queens Chronicle

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A South Ozone Park man who allegedly shot at 106th Precinct officers was captured and arrested last week, police officials said.

Raheem Cox, 23, allegedly fired multiple gunshots as he fled from the officers on 111th Avenue in South Ozone Park on Jan. 29, police said. No officers were hurt.

Cox was charged with attempted aggravated murder of a police officer, criminal possession of a loaded firearm and resisting arrest, according to the NYPD.

Police said they noticed Cox acting suspiciously while they were on a routine patrol of the area around 128th Street and 111th Avenue. When officers drove by him, he allegedly changed direction while walking, police said.

Cox allegedly ignored police when they made a U-turn and asked what he was doing, prompting the officers to ask him to stop. An NYPD spokesman said the individual then produced a black firearm from his waistband and fired multiple shots at the officers.

The cops then returned fire, police said. Cox was not hurt.

Police said they recovered a .22 caliber revolver at the scene.