Criminal Justice

Protestors Rally at 52nd Precinct for Emotionally Disturbed Man Shot by Police

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The following is an extended version of the story which appears in our latest print edition.   A group of about 20 protestors, including family members of an emotionally disturbed man, Raul de la Cruz, who was shot by police in Kingsbridge Heights last month, held a rally outside the 52nd Precinct in Norwood on Friday, April 7, calling for “Justice for Raul” and the release of the names of the two officers involved in the shooting.   As reported at the time, De la Cruz, 43, was shot by police when officers from the 52nd Precinct responded to a


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Pelham Parkway: Brick Tossed Through Window during Passover, Israeli Independence Day Marked

By DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY
The NYPD Hate Crimes Unit is currently investigating an incident where a slab of concrete was tossed through the living room window of a Pelham Parkway home during the Jewish holiday of Passover. The targeted window had an Israeli flag displayed outside at the time of the incident.   Police officials say the incident occurred at 2.45 p.m. on Friday, April 7, at 2121 Matthews Avenue between Lydig Avenue and Pelham Parkway. A police official said, “There is a complaint report on file for criminal mischief within the confines of the 49th Precinct.”   The official continued, “The report states


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Three Mosque Break-Ins Reported in The Bronx During Ramadan

By DAVID GREENE
  The NYPD said three mosques in the Northwest Bronx were robbed or broken into in March as millions of Muslims around the world began to observe the holy month of Ramadan. One of the mosques was robbed twice.   According to NYPD officials, the latest incident was reported on Monday, March 27, at the Bronx Muslim Center located at 2531 Davidson Avenue in Fordham Manor.   On Monday, April 3, a police source told Norwood News, “There were two burglaries at that location.” Regarding the incident on March 27, the official said, “An unknown individual entered the location through


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Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on the Best Way for the City to Respond to EDPs Who Are Armed

By DAVID GREENE
  This week, we asked readers their opinions on the best way for City officials to respond to people experiencing a mental health crisis or so-called emotionally disturbed persons (EDPs) who are armed.   “I personally feel that instead of just talking to them, I feel like [the police] should just tase them, like detain them first. I feel like you can’t talk to a person with mental illness because you need to put them in a mental illness facility or a hospital… If you have mental illness, you shouldn’t be put in jail because they won’t learn anything, and


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Fordham Manor: Man Stabbed in Chest during Attempted Street Robbery

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The NYPD is asking for the public’s help identifying the individuals seen in the attached photos who the department says are sought for questioning in connection with an attempted robbery that occurred in Fordham Manor.   Police that on Tuesday, March 28, at around 5.30 a.m., the victim, a 30-year-old male, was walking at the corner of Grand Concourse and East Kingsbridge Road, when a group unknown to him, approached the victim and grabbed the chain he was wearing around his neck.   A spokesperson said that when the victim struggled, one member of the group displayed a knife and


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Dr. Anita Gupta Appointed as New Chief Surgeon of DOC’s Health Management Division

By SÍLE MOLONEY
NYC Department of Corrections (DOC) announced the appointment on Thursday, April 20, of Dr. Anita Gupta as the new chief surgeon of its health management division (HMD). They said Gupta has extensive experience, has held several professional government appointments, and is actively board licensed and certified as an anesthesiologist.   In her new role, DOC officials said Gupta will report directly to First Deputy Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie and will oversee and direct the administration, delivery, and review of employee medical and health services. Additionally, they said Gupta will be responsible for reviewing and establishing relevant polices and operating procedures for


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University Heights: 25-Year-Old Man Shot in Leg in Stable Condition

By SÍLE MOLONEY
A 25-year-old man is in stable condition after he was shot in the leg in University Heights, police said.   The 52nd Precinct Community Affairs team initially informed the community about the incident, saying it occurred at 2.55 p.m. on Sunday, April 16.   “A call for a male shot came through 911 for a walk-in at St Barnabas Hospital. When officers arrived, they met with the victim, a 25-year-old male shot once in the leg. The victim stated he had a dispute with a group of males when an unknown perpetrator shot him in the leg. The victim is


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Norwood: As State Budget Talks Drag On, Health Officials Join Advocates Calling to Expand Healthcare Coverage to Immigrants

By SÍLE MOLONEY
As State elected officials remain in Albany thrashing out the latest overdue State budget deal with Gov. Kathy Hochul, a group of about 20 immigrants and health care workers joined nonprofit, Make the Road New York, for a rally outside Montefiore Medical Center on 210th Street in Norwood on Thursday, April 20, to call for the expansion of healthcare to immigrants.   Arlene Cruz Escobar, director of health programs at the nonprofit, addressed those gathered, saying, “We’re here today to stand in solidarity with our immigrant community members, our family, our friends, healthcare providers, nurses, health administrators, impacted community members.


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St. Philip Neri School Honors First Responders

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT
Students at St. Philip Neri School in Bedford Park want first responders to know how much their service means to them. On Jan. 31, more than 50 first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and EMTs were invited to attend a special mass at St. Philip Neri Church, located right next to the school. The first responders ate breakfast with students in the parish hall, and later went on a tour of the school.   “It was fun,” said sixth grader Katherine Mundo, who had a very personal reason to be appreciative of those assigned with protecting the community. “My mom’s


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