Westchester Square News: Hit-and-Run Driver Sought in Concourse Crash

Westchester Square News: Hit-and-Run Driver Sought in Concourse Crash: Hit-and-Run Driver Sought in Concourse Crash By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 29- Police were looking for the driv...

Hit-and-Run Driver Sought in Concourse Crash

Hit-and-Run Driver Sought in Concourse Crash

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 29- Police were looking for the driver who plowed into a man as he stepped off a traffic island of the Grand Concourse-- the victim was reportedly fighting for his life.

Police from the 46th Precinct and paramedics were called to the Grand Concourse at East 182 Street where the 40-year-old victim was found lying in the roadway, at 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 28.

According to investigators the unidentified victim suffered "multiple injuries" when the vehicle plowed into the man as he walked westbound across the main roadway of the busy boulevard.

The man was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital in critical condition however, his condition was unavailable at this hour.

A small pool of blood and a camouflage baseball cap littered the roadway, along with medical debris left behind by paramedics.

The entire accident was apparently caught on police surveillance video. Police were initially looking for a gray automobile-- believed to be either a Hyundai Sonata or Toyota Camry.

One police source stated the vehicle was driven by a male Hispanic with tattoos on his arm. After striking the victim, the vehicle fled north on the Grand Concourse and apparently turned on East 183 Street.

The posted speed limit in the area is the new Vision Zero speed of 25 miles-per-hour, but based on the injuries sustained by the victim, the vehicle was likely to be traveling at least double the limit.   

#NYPD #Hitnrun #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: Caught on Tape!

Westchester Square News: Caught on Tape!: Caught on Tape! DVD Seller Punches 6-yr-old in Face Robs Mom’s iPhone By Dan Gesslein Not even Hollywood could ...

Caught on Tape!

Caught on Tape!
DVD Seller Punches 6-yr-old in Face

Robs Mom’s iPhone

By Dan Gesslein

Not even Hollywood could make this one up. Police are looking for a sleazy DVD salesman who punched a six-year-old in the face after trying to rob the child’s mother.

At around 4:45 a.m. on May 24, a man selling DVDs entered a laundromat at 1720 Boone Avenue. The man 

approached a 22-year-old woman and her six-year-old son and try to sell them bootlegged DVDs. When the mom said she was not interested, the seller grabbed her iPhone which was charing in a chair beside her. 

The thief tried to flee but mom grabbed and held him. The suspect broke free and headed for the exit. The child stepped in his path to try to help his mother. The thief then punched the child in the face knocking him to the ground.

In the parking lot the mom grabbed the thief again and managed to pull the iPhone from his grasp. The attacker broke free and fled.

The child suffered swelling to the face and cuts on the back of his head. He was treated at a local hospital.

The suspect is described as a light skinned Hispanic male, approximately 50-55 years old with a thin build. 

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are confidential.

#NYPD #iPhone #DVD #Bootleg #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: Puerto Rican Day Parade Set for Sunday

Westchester Square News: Puerto Rican Day Parade Set for Sunday: 29 th  Annual Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Set for Sunday 100 PERCENT By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 29- This ...

Puerto Rican Day Parade Set for Sunday

29^th Annual Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Set for Sunday

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 29- This past Tuesday was the The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Board announced that the 29th Annual Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade will take place on Sunday, May 31st. It will commence with the Kick-off party at Poe Cottage Park at 10 a.m. The parade will run along the Grand Concourse from 192nd Street to Van Cortlandt Ave East (+20 block stretch). This is the largest Multi Cultural Event held in the Bronx that is celebrating the diversity of the Puerto Rican Culture and people. 

The Bronx then and now is the location with the largest population of Puerto Ricans outside to the beloved Island, over 350,000 strong. The Honorees for the parade who will receive awards for dedicating years of service to the community include: NY State Assemblyman Jose Rivera, Robert Sancho—Health services provider of the year, Sofia Thiebaud—in honor of her legendary father, two madrinas: Paloma Hernandez & Rosalba Rolon—Pregones Founder, Joe Torres—restaurant , Victor Pupo—El Padrino, Boxer Alberto Mercado, Larry Scott Blackmon—New Business, Mike Sassano—Grand Marshall International, Mikey Melendez—community Activist and Arnie Segarra—humanitarian. Check my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com for more on the 29th Annual Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade as the announcement was after this column's deadline.

Also occurring on Sunday May 31st will be the Salute to Israel in The Bronx by State Senator Jeff Klein that will be going on in two parts. Part one will take place at the Riverdale Y located at 5625 Arlington Avenue (off Riverdale Avenue and West 256th Street) from 11 AM – 1 PM. Part two will take place at Bronx House located at 990 Pelham Parkway South (corner of Hone Avenue) from 1:30 pm – 3:30 PM. You are asked to RSVP to Senator Klein's office at 718-822 2049.

Speaking of the New York State Senate, with the stepping down of former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos who was replaced by fellow Long Island Republican State Senator John Flanagan as the Majority Leader there needed to be a new Senate Education Chair which Senator Flanagan was. The new Senate Education Chair is fellow Long Island Republican State Senator Carl Marcellino. Just in case another move is needed there are a total of 9 Republican State Senators from Long Island who are known as the Long Island Delegation, so 6 would be left to pick from.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and the NYCDEP are giving away free rain barrels to homeowners in the 80th A.D. on 

Saturday June 6thstarting at 9 AM, and until 12 PM or the supply runs out. The location is the PS 83 schoolyard 1840 Bogart Avenue. You are however asked to call Assemblyman Gjonaj's office at 718-499-0109to reserve your rain barrel.

Mark your calendars for the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Business Summit and Trade Show to be held at the Mall at Bay Plaza (200 Baychester Avenue) on Thursday June 18th from 2 – 7 PM. This is a great opportunity to showcase your business by becoming a vendor at the largest Business Expo in the Bronx. For more details, how to register for the BCC Business Expo, and what the costs are, you can call the Bronx Chamber of Commerce at 718-929-3900, or e-mail the BCC at events@bronxchamber.org.

Lastly, it appears that former 86th A.D. candidate for assembly Hector Ramirez was arrested last week on charges of voter fraud by the Bronx District Attorney's office, on a 242 count indictment, which appears to be tied to absentee ballots in the 2014 race. It reminds me of the 1993 School Board 10 election where a person was arrested for similar absentee ballot fraud. In that case the defendant was found innocent, and I suggest that Mr. Ramirez's lawyer look at that 1993 School Board 10 voter fraud charges by then Special Investigator Ed Stansick in which the defendant was found innocent of all charges. One has to also wonder why in 86th A.D. Assemblyman Victor Pichardo's press release (which was timed perfectly) that Assemblyman Pichardo mentions the 2013 Special election, when the DA only mentions the 2014 election. I guess it will take four years to find out the real answer as we did in the previous 865h A.D. scandal ala former Assemblyman Nelson Castro. Assemblyman Pichardo's statement is on my blog under the archive title Assembly member Pichardo releases statement on arrest of Hector Ramirez.

If you have any political information that you want to share or have checked out, any comments about this column, or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 

100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199Mr. Robert Press.

#PuertoRicanDayParade #Latino #Bronx

Westchester Square News: Another Suspect Fingered in Teen Execution

Westchester Square News: Another Suspect Fingered in Teen Execution: Another Suspect Fingered in Teen Execution By Dan Gesslein and David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 29...

Another Suspect Fingered in Teen Execution

Another Suspect Fingered in Teen Execution

By Dan Gesslein and David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 29- Police have identified another suspect in connection with the brutal execution of a 14-year-old boy.

One day after identifying Travis Bloch in connection with the shooting of a teenager police released the name and photo of another suspect. 

Investigators are asking for the public's help in locating 16-year-old Jeremiah Thomas who goes by the name of Jay.

Thomas is wanted for questioning in the murder of 14-year-old Christopher Duran of Sheridan Avenue. The teen was gunned outside his building while on his way to school last week. 

Thomas is 16 years old and has brown eyes. He is six feet tall and weighs 170 pounds. 

Bloch is described as a black male, 25 years of age. He is 5 foot 10 and weighs 150 pounds.  

On Friday, May 22, 14-year-old Christopher Duran, a seventh-grader, was walking to school with his younger brother along Sheridan Avenue at 8:30 a.m., when Duran was shot four times at point-blank range, including three times in the abdomen and once in the head. Duran died on the Morrisania sidewalk before paramedics arrived.

Family and friends of Duran say he was not a gang member. However, police paint a different picture of the baby-faced teen who they say had been arrested five times since 2013, for assault and weapons possession and who flashed gang signs and posted a photo of a handgun on social media.

Off the record officials point to Duran's older brother who they say is a known gang member and whose gang is currently involved in an on-going dispute with a rival gang. The gunman had been waiting for Duran as his cohort provided look-out. Police recovered eight shell casings from a .45-caliber handgun.

#NYPD #ChristopherDuran #Shooting

Westchester Square News: Accused homeless shelter killer indicted

Westchester Square News: Accused homeless shelter killer indicted: Accused homeless shelter killer indicted BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 27-  District Attorney Robert Johnson announced the Supreme Cour...

Westchester Square News: Accused homeless shelter killer indicted

Westchester Square News: Accused homeless shelter killer indicted: Accused homeless shelter killer indicted BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 27-  District Attorney Robert Johnson announced the Supreme Cour...

Accused homeless shelter killer indicted

Accused homeless shelter killer indicted

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 27- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced the Supreme Court indictment of 39-year-old West Sprull for the April 27, 2015 kidnap and killing of homeless shelter director Ana Charle.

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Westchester Square News: Teen Gunned Down Near School

Westchester Square News: Teen Gunned Down Near School: Teen Gunned Down Near School (Facebook photos) BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 22- Anguish filled the Grand Concourse after a teenager...

Teen Gunned Down Near School

Teen Gunned Down Near School

(Facebook photos)

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 22- Anguish filled the Grand Concourse after a teenager was gunned down near a school. Cops say an argument led to the teen being shot repeatedly.

As school was getting underway at PS 90, a block away a teen was being gunned down on the street. At around 8:30 a.m., the teen was shot multiple times in front of 1174 Sheridan Avenue. Published reports have identified the victim as 14-year-old Christopher Duran.

Duran was pronounced dead at the scene. Cops say the victim suffered three gunshot wounds to the abdomen and one gunshot wound to the head.

Police say the victim had gotten into an argument with at least two boys. The area was designated an Impact Zone where additional police officers were assigned to handle the uptick in violence.

#NYPD #Shooting #Teen #ChristopherDuran #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors

Westchester Square News: Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors: Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors  By Robert Press B RONX, NEW YORK, MAY 21 - It appears to be the largest drug bus...

Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors

Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors 

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 21- It appears to be the largest drug bust in New York State history as Federal DEA agents arrested two people who lived in a 5th floor, three-bedroom apartment located at 210 West 251st Street. The building is called the Deauville, and the apartments are still rental apartments. 

Jose Mercedes and Yenci Cruz were identified as the two people arrested by the DEA, who said that 70 Kilos of heroin, $2 Million dollars in cash, 

and a gun were confiscated from the apartment and two vehicles that were used to transport the drugs. The heroin seized was estimated to have a street value of over $50 Million dollars. 

Local residents including the owner of a building across the street from the Deauville said this has been going on for years, and wants to know why this was not stopped long ago. One woman said that the community is going downhill, while one man said that the Deauville is full of Section 8 tenants who do not care about the neighborhood. Another said that loud music comes from the nearby Van Cortlandt Park area at night, while cars park at hydrants and double park while the local police department does nothing when residents call and complain.

#NYPD #HeroinBust #DEA #Riverdale

Westchester Square News: Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zoo

Westchester Square News: Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zoo: Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zoo Photos by Julie Larson  BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 20– A colony of little penguins (Eudyptu...

Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zoo

Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zoo

Photos by Julie Larson 

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 20– A colony of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) has made its debut in the Aquatic Bird House at WCS’s (Wildlife Conservation Society) Bronx Zoo.

Named for their small size and characteristic bluish hue, little penguins are also known as blue penguins, little blue penguins, and fairy penguins. Full-grown adults are only about 13 inches tall and weigh 2 to 3 pounds. They are the smallest of the 18 penguin species and native to coastal southern Australia and New Zealand.

These are the first little penguins to be on exhibit at the Bronx Zoo and there are only three facilities in the U.S. that currently have them.

All of the birds in the colony were hatched at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia and brought to the Bronx Zoo as part of a breeding program. Approximately 15 penguins a year hatch at Taronga, making it the most successful little penguin breeding program in the world. The Bronx Zoo penguins will help ensure continued genetic diversity in the little penguin populations in the U.S.

“The little penguins are acclimating well to their new home and are quite a sight to see,” said Jim Breheny, WCS Executive Vice President and General Director of the WCS Zoos and Aquarium. “The Bronx Zoo is focused on the conservation of the species we exhibit, and international partnerships and breeding programs like that of the little penguin are vital to ensuring the survival of the species in the wild through education, awareness, and connecting people to nature in a way that can only be accomplished through close, in-person encounters.”

Taronga Zoo Director and Chief Executive, Cameron Kerr, said: “The little penguins at the Bronx Zoo have taken on 

the role of international ambassadors for their species. Visitors to the Bronx Zoo from around the world can come to learn about these wonderful Australian marine animals. This group of little penguins will ensure a thriving population in the U.S. for many years to come.”

The species occurs in temperate marine waters and feed on fish, cephalopods and crustaceans. They nest colonially in burrows on sand dunes or rocky beach areas. Like other penguin species, they use a wide range of vocalizations to communicate with each other. In the wild, their populations are threatened by climate change and human activities.

The Bronx Zoo is supporting Taronga Zoo’s little penguin conservation programs in Sydney Harbor. The work includes monitoring, awareness campaigns, rescue and rehabilitation, breeding programs, and more. Man-made nest boxes can provide safety from introduced predators and guard dogs have been used in some places to discourage predation.

#Penguins #BronxZoo

Westchester Square News: Celebs Get Sign on Walk of Fame

Westchester Square News: Celebs Get Sign on Walk of Fame: Celebs Get Sign on Walk of Fame Bronx Week Parade, Music, and Food Festival Ends Bronx Week (Photos by Gary Quintal) ...

Celebs Get Sign on Walk of Fame

Celebs Get Sign on Walk of Fame

Bronx Week Parade, Music, and Food Festival Ends Bronx Week

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 18- Sunday’s Bronx Week Parade, Music, and Food Festival was the perfect ending to the 10 days of Bronx Week. 

The weather was perfect, and hundreds and hundreds of people marched along Mosholu Parkway in the Bronx 

Week Parade. After the parade they joined hundreds of others who were enjoying the food and informational tables that were set up along the other side of Mosholu Parkway. The topper to all this was the Music Festival that could be heard blocks away that rocked the streets.

It appears the city spruced up the island between both sides of Mosholu Parkway with up to 50 newly planted trees, and the day before the parade much gardening was done to the grass. The only thing left to do was to repave the roadway, but maybe that will happen before next year’s Bronx Week Parade across Mosholu Parkway.

The FDNY opened the parade, with Bronx Walk of Fame Honorees. The daughter of the late businessman and philanthropist, Alfredo Thiebaud, Actor and activist Malik Yoba; and NBA Legend and Hall of Famer Dolph Schayes arrived next to be escorted to the reviewing stand where parade co-hosts Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr., and Dr. Bob Lee. Actress, author and television commentator Stacey Dash missed the parade as she had to catch a flight right after the induction ceremony.

As the marchers marched across Mosholu Parkway it was school after school, organization after organization, and company after company. The parade was so long that after people marched they joined in the viewing area (or just lined the parade route) until the Bronx Week Parade was over, several hours after it began.

I for one can not wait for Bronx Week 2016, and to enjoy “The Bast the Bronx Has to Offer”. However we Bronxites get to enjoy the Bronx each and every day.

#Stacey Dash #BronxWeek #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: Fans Honor Hero Cop

Westchester Square News: Fans Honor Hero Cop: Fans Honor Hero Cop (Photos by Gary Quintal) NYCFC Draws Chicago Fire  By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 16- NYCFC  (1-6-...

Fans Honor Hero Cop

Fans Honor Hero Cop

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

NYCFC Draws Chicago Fire 

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 16- NYCFC  (1-6-4) returned to Yankee Stadium Friday night, but the result of the match could be considered disappointing or uplifting depending on one’s point of view. The 2-2 draw with the Chicago Fire ((3-5-1) extended NYC’s winless streak to nine, but ended its losing streak at four.

The support of the fans in the Bronx has been consistent as 23,315 attended on Friday. Each match at Yankee 

Stadium has drawn more than 20,000. 

The visitors from the Mid-West scored first as Razvan Cocis scored on an assist from Shaun Maloney in the 12th minute. In the 26th minute, NYC defender R.J. Allen was ousted from the contest after receiving a red card. Thus, NYC was required to play the final 64 minutes with a one man disadvantage. In the following minute, Jeff Larentowicz’s kick raised the Chicago lead to 2-0.

Chicago dominated the match throughout the first 45 minutes. They controlled the ball for the major period of the first half and took 14 shots on goal contrasted with only five for NYC.

In the one minute of stoppage time allotted at the end of the half Mahdi Ballouchy scored NYC’s first goal of the match. His third goal of the season broke his tie with teammates David Villa

and Patrick Mullins as the club’s leading goal scorer. Ballouchy commented on his goal, “I think the timing was very good for us.”

The effort made by the players of NYC in the second half was a great contrast with that of the opening stanza. The match was scoreless during the 45 minutes of the second half until the addition of five minutes of stoppage time.

As in the first half, NYC netted its only goal in stoppage time. Rookie Khiry Shelton scored a goal that was set up by 

experienced international David Villa. The 21 year old, who had entered the match at the 60 minute mark, scored his first MLS goal. The PAC-12 Player of the Year while at Oregon State university was a high draft pick by NYC this year. NYC coach Jason Kreis believes the goal will be a pivotal event in Shelton’s professional career, “I believe that [goal] could move him to the next level.” The young player agreed with his coach, “It will definitely build my confidence.”

Although NYC did not obtain a victory, the win the draw and added point, under the circumstances of the match, was a very positive development to the participants. Kreis remarked, “The entire team was willing to do anything to get that result. I’m very hopeful that this is set as a landmark. We believe we’re a better team than our points (7) indicate.”

The veteran Villa was in accord with his coach, “The team is much better than our position in the league (8thof 10

teams in the Eastern Conference) shows. This can be a turning point.” 

NYCFC travels west next to face Real Salt Lake on Saturday, May 23.

#NYPD #NYCFC #YankeeStadium #ChicagoFire #Soccer #Bronxnews