by Stephen Rivers
- NYPD delayed response amid multiple high-priority incidents in the precinct.
- Residents were attacked and a car set ablaze during the violent takeover.
- Police and officials vow stronger patrols and enforcement across Malba.
New York City, like plenty of other places, has its fair share of dangerous driving and those who willfully break the law. Residents of the Malba neighborhood in Queens know that all too well. Over the weekend, they were the victims of a large-scale car-centric takeover that turned violent.
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Participants of the illegal event allegedly assaulted multiple people and burned down a car. Now, authorities are promising improved response and patrols as it took them half an hour to show up to help.
What Took So Long?
According to police, the 109th Precinct was simultaneously handling an intoxicated driver arrest, a violent assault, an injured-person transport, and a car crash with injuries at the same time calls began pouring in around 12:30 a.m. Sunday.
Last night in Malba, a large group of individuals from outside my district conducted an illegal 'takeover' of a quiet residential street at approximately 12:30am. This is not the first time it's happened.
A private security guard attempted to calm the situation — he was… pic.twitter.com/sSL7aWuufC
Officials say the initial 911 call was categorized as drag racing, a low-priority, before later being upgraded to criminal mischief as the situation escalated. On the ground, that change was one that went from donuts and burnouts to assault.
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Resident Blake Ferrer stepped outside and told the group to get off of his property. Video shows a mob of 10-15 individuals taunting and ultimately charging him, kicking and stomping Ferrer in his own yard while his wife was nearby.
Ferrer sustained broken ribs and a broken nose. According to the NY Post, City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino said that Ferrer is “lucky he wasn’t killed.”
Last night in Malba, a large group of individuals from outside my district conducted an illegal 'takeover' of a quiet residential street at approximately 12:30am. This is not the first time it's happened.
A private security guard attempted to calm the situation — he was… pic.twitter.com/sSL7aWuufC
Arson and Outrage
The same group reportedly turned on local security company owner Larry Rusch when he tried to block the road with his vehicle. Members of the mob allegedly threw an incendiary device into it, setting it ablaze before fleeing the scene.
Also: 100 People Attack Police Cruisers As Street Takeover Spirals Out Of Control
Paladino called the incident “a disgrace,” voicing anger not only at the attackers but also at the NYPD’s inability to reach the scene sooner.
She says residents calling 911 were at one point told the situation might be a matter for 311 or a quality-of-life unit, an assessment she called “insane.” At this point, NYPD has vowed to increase patrols in the area and has met with Paladino and local residents. Only time will tell whether or not that promise rings true.
Another view of the chaos as a mob of criminals attack a resident on their own lawn.
This is what progressives have wrought on our neighborhoods.
A homeowner would be entirely justified using deadly force on these animals, and one day it will come to that if this isn’t stopped. pic.twitter.com/3hxD4GMGwS