Group Of Teens Robbed In Carroll Park On Saturday Evening

This past Saturday evening, a group of 15 year old neighborhood boys were sitting at one of the chess tables in Carroll Park shortly after 9 pm, when they were robbed by three slightly older teens.  The incident has been reported to the 76th Precinct, but we would like to make others aware of the incident so that it does not happen to others.

The mother of two of the boys who were robbed sent this description of the incident:
"It happened around 9:20pm - the boys were sitting at the chess tables talking after playing basketball when 3 kids - 2 black  and one light skinned either black or Hispanic, approached asking if they wanted to buy weed.  All three boys were wearing hoodies, the lead guy’s was maroon or red, other two were darker. One kid had a stud earring. 

The boys said they don’t smoke and one of their friends nervously laughed. The kid said they were making fun of him so he was going to make them pay. Said he had a gun in his bag and he wanted 2 phones and their money. Kid took the stuff then said he would kill them if they went to the police, that he was in the bloods and his boys would come after them. The boys drove around with cops looking for them afterwards and the cops found another group of kids these kids harassed but the other group said they chased them away.  "I’m very grateful our guys gave them their stuff and left"! 

When we went to the precinct, we met with a really lovely detective, Detective Francis, who used to do foot patrol in the park and could not believe there is so little police presence there now and that they no longer lock up the park at night.  She said it was more likely a group of punks who saw my guys and friends get nervous and decide to pounce. She said it's always best to walk away but that she doesn’t think they had a gun or were in gangs."

A few of the victims recognized the lead assailant and had played basketball with him in the park. He apparently graduated from 58 a few years before them.

The three robbers were with 2 girls who came by to check on them during the robbery. When one of the assailants said they were robbing the younger kids, the girls walked away and waited. 

Years ago, under former 76th Precinct Commander Cassidy, Carroll Park was closed at around 10 pm.  This cut down on quite a number of incidents, especially in the warmer season. Perhaps it is time to ask the precinct to start closing the gates at night again.

Please let your neighbors and kids know about this incident so that we can all stay alert..and safe.

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Carroll Gardens' Finest Show Up In Force To Take An Unruly Passenger Off The F Train

Photo Credit: Christine Toes

There was quite a bit of excitement in Carroll Gardens today. This afternoon, at around 2:20pm,  PMFA received a report that quite a  number of police cars, marked and unmarked, had converged on the F train station at Second Place. After screeching to a halt and blocking Second Place, the officers apparently ran into the station, leaving many passers-by to wonder what had happened.

Apparently, the officers of the 76th Precinct were responding to an unruly passenger on the train.

Carroll Gardener and friend Christine Toes happened to be in the station and posted about the incident on Facebook. 

"Apparently, a woman was causing a problem on the F train and police tried to escort her and her friend off the train, but she would not leave." Christine wrote.  "For about ten+ minutes, the train sat in the station. Finally, they got her off of the train, but at that point, she was yelling profanities at them. More and more police started showing up while I was now waiting 15 minutes for my train. And this is what it ended up looking like. Like 25 cops."

Christine did not stay to see the officers getting the woman out of the station.

The response seems a bit over the top, doesn't it? Where you there? What do you think?

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Sunday Morning News! Shots Fired At Marco Polo Ristorante On Court Street

This morning, Pardon Me For Asking received an email alerting us to the fact that there was quite a police presence at the corner of Union and Court Streets in front of Marco Polo Ristorante. Apparently, someone had shot through the front door of the Carroll Gardens Italian eatery.

We took the photos above at about 11 am, shortly after receiving the email. Sure enough, there are two very visible bullet holes in the front façade of the restaurant, one in the front door, one in the large glass window facing Court Street. The police had left by then, but Marco Polo's staff was cleaning up inside and was busy taping menus and restaurant reviews over the bullet holes

An employee at Parks Natural across the street told us that police were there when she showed up for work early this morning.

Does anyone know when this incident actually occurred or has any information?

Update:
+++ I heard from two sources that the shooting happened at about 6 am and that more than two shots were fired.

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76th Precinct In Carroll Gardens Stages A 'Walk Out' For Retiring Community Affairs Detective Paul Grudzinski To Honor His 30 Years Of Service With The NYPD

Detective Paul Grudzinski, framed by Chief Michael Kemper (left) and Leroy Branch (right)

76th Precinct's Commanding Officer Captain Megan O'Malley

Detective Grudzinski with some of his colleagues

Paul Grudzinski in 1987

In a long standing NYPD tradition when one of their own retires,  the 76th Precinct on Union Street in Carroll Gardens staged a 'walk-out' for Detective Paul Grudzinski  today, his last day on the job.  It was a moving ceremony attended by many of the former Commanding Officers of the Precinct.
Grudzinski worked for the NYPD for 30 years. He started in 1987 with the Transit Authority Police, before joining the 76th Precinct 27 years ago.  He was part of the original  Community Patrol Officers Program,  and, for the past 17 years, has served as community affairs detective for the 76th.

Grudzinski was a real asset to the neighborhood and to Carroll Park during his tenure. "You have left an indelible impression on everyone here," 76th Precinct's Commanding Officer, Captain Megan O'Malley, told Grudzinski.
Deeply moved by ceremony, Grudzinski told members of the Precinct: "You guys made me love what I do. I leave on a high note. I promise to stop by to visit often."

We hope you will, Paul.  Thank you for all your years of service to the community.

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Is This A Practical Joke Or Something Weirder? Nails Propped Up Against Car Tires On Second Street In Carroll Gardens

A resident of Carroll Gardens got quite a surprise when walking up to his car on Second Street yesterday.  Someone had strategically positioned nails around the tires of the vehicle to obviously cause a flat.  Of course, it could have caused more serious harm.

The resident reached out to PMFA to warn others in the neighborhood. Here is an account of what happened:
"At approximately 8 am on Sunday, March 26th, several nails were found surrounding both the rear tires of a grey Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle had been parked overnight in front of 13 2nd Street, between Smith and Hoyt.

The nails were positioned at 45 degrees in both front and back of each rear tire, in a way that any unassuming, hurried driver on their morning commute would have quickly punctured both.

The owner of the vehicle discovered the threatening set-up when checking the right rear tire, which was found to be low on air the previous afternoon.

A police report was filed, due to the nature of the harassment; the perpetrator seemed intent on causing harm to the owner's property, but also had complete disregard for the owner's personal safety behind the wheel."

Pardon me for asking, but is this someone's idea of a practical joke?  Is this about the lack of parking in the neighborhood?  Has anyone else experienced something similar?
Please reach out and let us know. And please spread the word.


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Strange Nighttime Activity In Carroll Gardens Backyard Area Leads To Arrest Of Burglary Suspect

Carroll Gardens has always been one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City, but even so, crimes do occur.  This past week, as a resident reports, a strange incident involving several people jumping fences in the backyard area of 3rd Street between Smith and Hoyt Streets lead to at least one arrest by the 76th Precinct.

The Carroll Gardens resident writes:
Dear Katia:
I wanted to let you know about some strange activity, including the arrest of a person wanted for burglary, over the past week in Carroll Gardens. I wondered if you had heard of any other incidents in the neighborhood? I’ve been here 15 years and have never had people jumping fences in our back yards before…

We live on the south side of 3rd Street between Smith and Hoyt and last Tuesday at 10:30 I awoke to several people running in my backyard and scrambling up to our deck to get to the fire escape and go to the roof. Needless to say it was terrifying to have 5-8 people running in my yard at that hour.

The police arrived and it turns out the suspects had run across other backyards up and down the block. The cops caught and arrested a person who had been wanted for several burglaries. He did not have anything on him at the time. Neighbors report seeing between 5-18 people in my yard, some of whom looked liked teenagers. There are oddities, one person had no shoes and the next morning I found a pair of pants in my yard, size 4 Zara Woman’s.

The cops also said the story given to them by two others who were taken to the station that there was an “airbnb party” at an apt on Smith St. and for some reason (unknown) suddenly everyone dispersed (some sans clothes) through the back. I have no idea how they escaped from the roof or the other yards.

Stranger yet there have been two more reports of people in these backyard areas trespassing at night the past two Saturdays. The Police have been called each time.

I’d love to understand if anyone knows any more information and help get the word out to be safe.

Very strange and frightening occurrence, for sure.  Has anyone experienced similar incidents in the neighborhood? Please let us know.

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Four Car Collision On Clinton Street At President Street Last Night

(photo credit: Chance Bliss)

If you live on Clinton Street near President Street, you may have heard a huge crash at about 9:30 pm last night.  It was the result of an accident involving four cars.  The driver who may have caused the crash seems to have fled the scene.
PMFA reader Chance Bliss lives nearby and immediately came out of his building to offer assistance.
He sent us this account of the accident:

Hey Katia,
Just so you know, there was a four car collision / hit and run just under thirty minutes ago, at the intersection of Clinton Street and President Street.

We heard the loud collision outside our window, over a block away, and then I ran over to the intersection to see what had happened.

When I arrived, there were already a dozen or so bystanders.

Several of them called 911 as I was there, while a friend of ours hailed down a police car at the intersection of Clinton Street and Union, who promptly ignored him and drove off down Clinton Street, away from the accident.

This happened again about five minutes later - another patrol car came down Union street, presumably from the 76th precinct, and several people ran towards the car, waving at it, but the driver ignored them, even though i could see that he look down the street in our direction, and proceeded to drive off down clinton street, towards Atlantic.

We waited over twenty-five minutes before anyone from the police or emergency services showed up.

One of the cars that was hit was a green cab - the driver said that he was moving down Clinton Street towards Atlantic when his taxi was hit by a white car in the middle of the intersection. According to the eyewitness I spoke with, this white car then proceeded to hit another parked car before driving off down President Street towards Henry. One person who was parking his citibike on President, near Henry, saw the car speeding towards him, then gave chase.

When I left the scene a few minutes ago, he was giving his account to the police officer who had arrived.
The driver of the taxi cab was dazed and seemed to be in a bit of shocked, but had no visible injuries.

In any event, it's outrageous that the police completely disregarded several attempts to reach them, and that it took emergency services over 25 minutes to arrive.

That is rather a long time for police to respond to several 911 calls. The crash site is just around the corner from the 76th Precinct on Union Street.  Why would the patrol cars just drive by without at least offering assistance?

Did anyone else witness the crash or call 911?  Let us hear from you.

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76th Precinct Hosting First Community Council Meeting of 2016 And A Blood Drive This Week

Perhaps you would like to get more involved in neighborhood affairs in 2016?  If so, here is a great opportunity.
The 76th Police Precinct will be holding its first Community Council Meeting of 2016 on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, 7:30 PM, at the 76th Precinct Station House, located at 191 Union Street, between Henry Street and Hicks Street.

Bring your concerns or simply find out what has been happening in and around the neighborhood.

The 76th Precinct will also be holding a Blood Drive on Thursday, January 7, 2016.
A New York Blood Center blood drive bus will be parked in front of the Station House and will accept blood donations from 12:30 PM, through 6:30 PM.

Below please find the latest crime statistics for our police precinct.

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76th Precinct Monthly Community Council Meeting Will be Held Tomorrow

The 76th Precinct, located at 191 Union Street, between Henry Street and Hicks Street, will be hosting its monthly Community Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, 7:30 PM.

This is a great opportunity to get involved and to find out about issues in the neighborhood.

In addition, the Precinct will be holding a blood drive. The New York Blood Center will have its Mobile Blood Donation Bus parked in front of the 76th Precinct Station House on Thursday, May 14th, 2015, from 12:30 PM, through 6:30 PM.



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76th Police Precinct Community Council Meets This Tuesday With New Commanding Officer Natalie Maldonado

Captain Natalie Maldonado, new Commanding Officer of the 76th Precinct

The 76th Police Precinct will be holding its monthly community meeting tomorrow,On Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at the Precinct station house, located at 191 Union Street between Hicks Street and Henry Street.
Besides finding out about issues in the neighborhood, members of the community can bring their concerns to our local police force.

The February meeting will also be an opportunity to welcome the new Commanding Officer of the 76th Precinct, Captain Natalie Maldonado and to say farewell to Captain Justin Lenz .

76th Precinct Contact Information:
Precinct: (718) 834-3211
Community Affairs: (718) 834-3207
Crime Prevention: (718) 834-3203
Domestic Violence: (718) 834-3204
Youth Officer: (718) 834-3218
Auxiliary Coordinator: (718) 834-3218
Detective Squad: (718) 834-3221




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76th Police Precinct Community Council Will Meet This Tuesday

On Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at 7:30 PM, join Captain Justin C. Lenz of the 76th Precinct for the precinct's Community Council monthly meeting and find out about issues in the neighborhood. The meeting will be held at the Precinct house at 191 Union Street, between Henry Street and Hicks Street.
Here is the agenda.
Come to the 76th Precinct Community Council Meeting

Meet Commanding Officer Captain Justin C. Lenz
Get the latest crime statistics for Cobble Hill, Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, Red Hook, and the Columbia Waterfront District.

Get information on:
-Gun Stop-
-Anti-Graffiti-
-Counter-Terrorism-
-Identity Theft Prevention-
-Bicycle Safety-
-New Programs-

Voice any concerns, ask questions-or just attend and take home valuable information!

Also regularly in attendance:
76th Precinct Community Affairs Officers and Crime Prevention Officer, representatives from your local Elected Officials, Brooklyn Borough Presidents Office, Mayors Community Assistance Unit, Red Hook Community Justice Center, Kings County District Attorneys Office and Guest Speakers.

And here are some important 76th Precinct Telephone Numbers that you may want to keep handy.

76th Precinct Front Desk (main number): (718) 834-3211

Community Affairs: (718) 834-3207 

Crime Prevention: (718) 834-3203  

Detective Unit: (718) 834-3221 

Domestic Violence:  (718) 834-3204  

Traffic Safety: (718) 834-3226

Youth Officer: (718) 834-3218  

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76th Police Precinct Community Council Will Meet This Tuesday

Perhaps you would like to get more involved in neighborhood affairs in 2014? If so, here is a great opportunity. On Tuesday, January 7th, 2014 at 7:30 PM, join Captain Justin C. Lenz of the 76th Precinct for the precinct's  Community Council monthly meeting and find out about issues in the neighborhood.  It will be held at the Precinct house at 191 Union Street.

In addition, the Precinct will be holding a blood drive. The New York Blood Center will have their Mobile Blood Donation Bus parked in front of the 76th Precinct Station House at 191 Union Street, on Thursday, January 9, 2014, from 12:30 PM, through 6:30 PM.

For your information, here is the 76th Precinct Community Council Meeting Schedule for 2014:

January 7,  February 4,  March 4,  April 1,  May 6, June 3, September 9, October 7, November 4 December 2
All 76th Precinct Community Council meetings take place in the Precinct at 191 Union Street on the second Tuesday of the month. (There are no meetings in July and August)   

And here are some important 76th Precinct Telephone Numbers that you may want to keep handy.

76th Precinct Front Desk (main number): (718) 834-3211

Community Affairs: (718) 834-3207 

Crime Prevention: (718) 834-3203  

Detective Unit: (718) 834-3221 

Domestic Violence:  (718) 834-3204  

Traffic Safety: (718) 834-3226

Youth Officer: (718) 834-3218  

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Very Brazen Robbery At The Satori On Bond Street In Gowanus Yesterday

Images and video recorded by Satori's security camera yesterday morning.
The robber is recorded about 25 seconds into the video

Here is a bit or worrisome news for residents in Carroll Gardens and Gowanus. I just got news of a rather brazen robbery at the Satori building on Bond Street.

Matt McCarthy, one of Satori's residents just end me the email below:

"I wanted to inform you that my building at 342 Bond Street (the Sartori building at the corner of Bond and President) was broken into yesterday morning at 06:20. A man picked the front lock, went immediately to the basement, cut the pipes to some of the water heater units, and left. The whole thing took less than 2 minutes. This caused irreparable damage to all of the 10 units in the building. We were without any water yesterday and will be without hot water until at least tonight when the units and piping will be replaced (at significant cost). We were all amazed that such a crime would occur at all, let alone at a time of morning when it is very likely people will be walking through the front door on their way to work.
One piece of good news is that a few years back we all agreed to get a fairly high-end camera system installed around the building and we have high quality pictures and videos of the robbery.
I know you have a large readership in the neighborhood and thought you might be willing to put up a post about this. The NYPD is involved, but I think it would be a good thing to notify others in the neighborhood. I see no reason why this person won't repeat this in the area".

We all heard of copper pipes being stolen out of buildings under construction, but honestly, this kind of vandalism in a fully occupied building is really kind of scary. The fact that this robbery only took two minutes would suggest that the thief knew his way around, or has done this often enough.

Please share this information and be on the look- out for any suspicious activity and report it to the 76th Precinct by calling 911 or dialing the direct number: (718) 834-3211.

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