City Touts Low Crime Stats
Overall crime is at record lows, according to newly released stats by the NYPD. Speaking to a room of reporters in the 40th Precinct on July 10, Mayor Bill de Blasio said total crime in the city is down 1.8 percent for the year to date compared to last year’s numbers.

However, not all crime is down. Rape has gone up over 33 percent this year compared to the first six months of 2017, and shooting deaths have also risen. In the Bronx, fatal shootings are on the rise, with 12 more this year than at this time in 2017.

Murder Rap for Norwood Man
The suspect wanted for the shooting death of Dwayne Saunders on May 1, pled guilty to second-degree murder, according to Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark.

Tyrone Frank, 33, is scheduled to be sentenced to 20 years to life on Sept. 12. Along with pleading guilty to second-degree murder, Frank was indicted on first-degree manslaughter and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

In the May shooting, Saunders, 37, was fatally struck in the stomach and groin following a violent foot chase. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Bronx Robbery Pattern
The NYPD needs help identifying two individuals believed to be part of a slew of robberies across the Bronx in recent months.

The first reported incident happened May 5, when two suspects approached a 24-year-old man from behind. The victim was threatened with a gun, punched in the face, and robbed of his iPhone and $50. The suspects quickly took off.

Six incidents followed involving two unidentified men committing armed robbery. In the latest incident, on May 31, the suspects approached a 51-year-old man with a gun, demanded money, and fled with $167 from the victim’s wallet.

Three of the six incidents matching the pattern happened inside French Charley’s Park.

The two male suspects are described as black, between 17 and 25 years old, approximately 6’ tall with skinny builds.

Anyone with information on the suspects is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are kept confidential.

Attempted Rape Suspect Caught
Police have arrested a 14-year-old boy wanted in connection to the attempted rape of a woman jogging inside Bronx River Forest Park. The July 9 incident occurred near Burke Avenue and Bronx Park East.

The boy, whose name was not released to the public, was arrested in his home by officers at the 48th Precinct. The crime happened within the borders of the 52nd Precinct.

The 35-year-old female victim was jogging in the park around 7:50 a.m. when she was ambushed from behind by the suspect. The victim fought him off and ran deeper into the park, escaping the suspect. She came across him again, took a photo of him with her phone, then fled the park. She was treated for minor injuries by EMS at the scene.