Dangerous Street Takeover in Queens
New York, like many other cities, faces dangerous driving and deliberate lawbreaking. Residents of the Malba neighborhood in Queens experienced this firsthand last weekend when they became victims of a large-scale car takeover that escalated into violence.
Participants of the illegal event allegedly attacked several people and burned a car. Authorities now promise to improve response and patrols, as it took police half an hour to arrive at the scene.
Why Was the Police Delayed?
According to police, the 109th Precinct was simultaneously handling the arrest of a drunk driver, dealing with a violent assault, transporting an injured person, and responding to a traffic accident with injuries when calls about the incident in Malba started coming in around 12:30 AM on Sunday.
Last night in Malba, a large group of individuals from outside my neighborhood conducted an illegal “takeover” of a quiet residential street around 12:30 AM. This was not the first time. A private security guard tried to calm the situation — he… pic.twitter.com/sSL7aWuufC
According to official data, the first 911 call was classified as racing, which is low-priority, but later it was reclassified as a criminal mischief due to the escalation of the situation. On the scene, it transformed from doing donuts and burning tires into an assault.
Attack on a Resident
Resident Blake Ferrer went outside and ordered the group to leave his property. Video shows a crowd of 10-15 people mocking and eventually rushing at him, beating and stomping Ferrer in his own yard while his wife was nearby.
Ferrer suffered broken ribs and a broken nose. According to the NY Post, City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino stated that Ferrer was “lucky not to be killed.”
Last night in Malba, a large group of individuals from outside my neighborhood conducted an illegal “takeover” of a quiet residential street around 12:30 AM. This was not the first time. A private security guard tried to calm the situation — he… pic.twitter.com/sSL7aWuufC
Arson and Outrage
The same group reportedly attacked the owner of a security company, Larry Rush, when he tried to block the road with his car. Crowd members allegedly threw an incendiary device into his car, setting it on fire, before fleeing the scene.
Paladino called the incident a “disgrace,” expressing outrage not only at the attackers but also at the NYPD’s inability to arrive at the scene faster.
She recounted that residents calling 911 were at one point told that the situation might be a matter for 311 or the Quality of Life unit, which she characterized as “insanity.” For now, the NYPD has promised to increase patrols in the area and has held meetings with Paladino and local residents. It remains to be seen whether this promise will be fulfilled.
Another look at the chaos as a crowd of criminals attacks a resident in his own yard. This is what the progressives have brought to our neighborhoods. The homeowner would have every right to use deadly force against these animals, and one day it will come to that if this doesn’t stop. pic.twitter.com/3hxD4GMGwS
These events in Malba are another example of how street takeovers turn into serious crimes that threaten resident safety. The delayed police response raises questions about the adequacy of resource allocation in emergencies. Local residents remain concerned, as similar incidents have occurred in the area before, indicating systemic problems in combating organized offenses. The effectiveness of the promised additional patrols will only become clear with time, but for now, the community remains vulnerable to a repeat of such attacks.