104th Council Eyes Larcenies, Mugging Response
Surges in grand larcenies and auto thefts propelled a recent crime increase around the 104th Precinct’s confines, the force’s commander reported during the 104th Precinct Community Council meeting last Tuesday, Apr. 29, at Middle Village’s Christ the King Regional High School.
Capt. Christopher Manson stated major crimes jumped by 13 percent in the previous week largely due to a “substantial” spike in stolen vehicles, car break-ins and robberies. Year-todate, the 104th Precinct experienced a 4.1 percent uptick in major felonies, with 456 reported, 26 more than the number tallied at this time in 2013.
Vehicle break-ins have proven to be “a hard crime to fight,” the commander told residents. Most of the incidents take place during overnight hours on dark residential streets when few residents are awake to observe suspicious individuals.
“It’s an epidemic,” he said, “but we’re doing the best we can and making good arrests.” Manson expressed optimism that the command would turn the crime increase into a decrease in the months ahead.
The commander also updated residents regarding the ongoing investigation into the March double homicide inside a Ridgewood apartment. As previously reported, a 22-year-old man and his 21-year-old girlfriend were shot to death inside their Summerfield Street apartment on the night of Mar. 27.
Based on information obtained during the inquiry, Manson stated, detectives believe the double homicide was “drug-related,” as the victims were targeted due to the 22- year-old man’s alleged involvement in a drug trade.
Persons with information about the murders that could prove helpful are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS; all calls are kept confidential.
Turning to the streets, the 104th Precinct saw a downturn in traffic accidents and injuries as a result of enhanced enforcement started as part of the Vision Zero street safety campaign, the commander stated. Officers have issued more tickets for various moving violations including failure to stop at a red light and failure to yield to pedestrians.
In the weeks ahead, Manson told residents, the command would turn its attention to stopping truckers from traveling off designated truck routes.
With spring having arrived, the 104th Precinct is also beefing up patrols in local parks. Manson stated the precinct recently began working with the neighboring 75th Precinct to clear Highland Park out each night.
The initiative-a response to complaints last year about nighttime loitering and illegal activity in the park on the Brooklyn/Queens border-resulted in summonses and arrests of violators for infractions from unlawful loitering to possession of drug paraphernalia, the commander added.
“We have seen a difference,” he said. “It has gotten better.”
Manson added he plans on assigning 10 new officers the precinct is scheduled to receive in May to patrol Middle Village’s Juniper Valley Park during evening hours to guard against loitering and other illegal activity. Most of the officers will patrol the park in police scooters.
“Once we get the officers on scooters, there will be a constant presence,” he added.
Problems over mugging response
There was a testy exchange between Manson and a local resident over police actions after two men were recently mugged in Maspeth.
Adam Gawronski questioned the commander about the recent assault of two men by “a gang of 12” at the corner of Fresh Pond Road and Eliot Avenue. He stated the assault left the victims, both of whom are of Polish descent, with serious injuries.
Gawronski cited reports by a Polish newspaper which alleged that the responding officers brushed off witnesses to the incident-who spoke Polish-and disparaged them for their involvement.
Manson took exception with the public accusation, stating that alleged police misconduct should be reported to the Civilian Complaint Review Board or the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau. The commander said he had not heard of any complaints of misconduct related to the incident and that he supported his officers.
As for the case itself, Manson noted officers did make an arrest in connection with the assault, and an investigation is ongoing.
Cops of the Month
Det. Anthony Wright and P.O. Louis Marinacci of the 104th Precinct’s Street Narcotics Enforcement Unit were recognized as Cops of the Month for finding a loaded gun and assorted drugs in a residence while responding to a reported domestic dispute.
According to Manson, the officers visited a location on Mar. 19 at 1:30 p.m. in response to a reported assault in progress. Upon arrival, they were met at the front door by a man who appeared nervous and hesitant to let the officers in.
Eventually, Manson stated, the officers made their way into the apartment and found a female victim who had been “violently assaulted.” During a search, the officers also recovered a loaded firearm in a bag and narcotics.
The male resident was taken into custody on related charges, it was noted.
Manson and 104th Precinct Community Council President Mario Matos presented the officers with plaques in recognition of their efforts.
Defensive driving
Treasurer Tania Broschart invited residents to sign up for a defensive driving course sponsored by the council on Sunday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Atlas Park Community Room, located at 8000 Cooper Ave. in Glendale. Participants who complete the course will receive points off their driver’s licenses and be eligible for discounts on their auto insurance.
Visit www.104pcc.org for information on how to register for the course.
The next 104th Precinct Community Council meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday night, May 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Christ the King Regional High School, located at 68-02 Metropolitan Ave. in Middle Village. For more information, call the 104th Precinct Community Affairs Unit at 1-718- 386-2431 or visit www.104pcc.org.
