fordham heights

“Operation Padlock” Continues

By DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY
The latest government crackdown of unauthorized smoke shops, “Operation Padlock to Protect,” continues across Norwood and Bedford Park as two smoke shops and a deli were recently shut down and untaxed cigarettes, vapes, and bags of cannabis were confiscated.

“Slaughtery” Gang Members Charged with 14 Shootings, Slashing of Rival in Courthouse, Bragged Online

By SÍLE MOLONEY & DAVID GREENE
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban announced on Friday, Aug. 2, that 20 people, including five teens, have been charged with various violent crimes that include 14 shootings in the Fordham Heights, Kingsbridge, Highbridge, and Morris Heights areas, as well as a brutal slashing of a young woman outside the “youth part” courtroom inside the Bronx Criminal Court’s Hall of Justice. Prosecutors said at least some of the gang members are seemingly influenced by drill rap music and posted menacing videos on social media about some of the shootings taunting their gang rivals. 

Petition Launched to Save St. Barnabas High School

By SÍLE MOLONEY
A petition was launched in mid-July to save the private, Catholic high school for girls, St. Barnabas High School (SBHS), located at 25 E 240th Street in Woodlawn Heights, which the Board of Trustees announced on June 28 had closed with immediate effect due to declining enrollment, a decrease in donations, and rising costs.

Memorial Service Held for Slain NYPD Detective Miosotis Familia

By SÍLE MOLONEY
A memorial ceremony was held outside the 46thtPrecinct stationhouse on July 5 to honor the late NYPD Detective Miosotis Familia, who had been assigned to the 46th Precinct when she was fatally shot by parolee Alexander Bonds on July 5, 2017, while sitting in her police vehicle after completing an overnight shift. Bonds was reported to have had a history of mental illness according to the Detectives’ Endowment Association and had posted on social media about killing police before the incident. They said he was shot by responding police after a foot pursuit.