By Sadef Ali Kully
Police officials from the 103rd Precinct have increased security after two shootings that took place in and around downtown Jamaica appeared not to be random incidents.
“We have a lot of uniforms out there and that is no accident. We are concerned about retaliation,” 103rd Executive Officer James Fey told residents at the monthly 103rd Precinct Community Council at the St. Benedict the Moor Church at 110th Avenue.
Police said last month 32-year old Rahim Hale from Jamaica was found with two gunshot wounds to the face near 106th Avenue and 164th Street several blocks from his residence.
“This was not a random act of violence,” Fey told community members.
Police said two robbers shot a 36-year old man this month while he was closing down his tattoo parlor on Jamaica Avenue near 168th Place. Emergency medical services rushed the victim to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced in stable condition, according to police.
“Once again, none of these were random acts of violence,” Fey said “These individuals were targeted for a reason.”
Fey said that in the 28-day period ended Nov. 8 all major crimes except homicides were down. There was one incident in the 28-day period compared to zero in the same span last year.
Overall there has been a 62 percent decrease in homicides for a total of three for the 103rd Precinct compared to eight last year.
Fey said traffic accidents had plagued the area and reminded residents to be careful walking and driving.
Fey said the woman who was struck and killed by a commercial van on Archer Avenue near 165th Street may have been on her cell phone while she was crossing the street.
“The driver said there was glare and he was not speeding. We believe she may have been on her cell phone,” Fey said. “She passed away a few hours later and the driver did stay on the scene. He was distraught.”
Fey told community members, “In the meantime, until we feel satisfied we will continue to amp up our presence. We know the players out there and we work our schedule according to the need for police presence.”
Reach Reporter Sadef Ali Kully by e-mail at skull
