Westchester Square News: Driver sentenced for fatally striking mother of tw...

Westchester Square News: Driver sentenced for fatally striking mother of tw...: Driver sentenced for fatally striking mother of twins BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 29- District Attorney Robert Johnson a...

Driver sentenced for fatally striking mother of twins

Driver sentenced for fatally striking mother of twins

BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 29- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced that 29-year-old Agustus Jenkins of Montgomery, NY, has been sentenced to the maximum sentence of 1-1/3-to-4 years behind bars for the January 2014 death of the mother of twin toddlers, Nydja Herring, of the Bronx.

Jenkins was found guilty of Criminally Negligent Homicide, a Class E Felony, following an 11-day trial before Justice Peter Benitez, during which the jury returned their verdict on June 4^th after less than a day’s deliberation.

The 32-year-old victim was crossing the street at East Tremont and Van Nest Avenues, on the way to the store to buy milk for her twin toddlers, when she was struck by Jenkins’ speeding vehicle. He was behind the wheel but had a friend with him, along with two children aged four and 11.  Blood alcohol tests showed he was operating the vehicle above the legal limit. He was also driving on a suspended license. Ironically, Jenkins was coming back from the wake for a baby who had died from SIDS.

Not only were Nydja Herring’s twin 2-year-olds left without a mother, the victim’s own mother was scheduled to receive a kidney from her daughter. Herring’s mother is still on the organ transplant list.

#NYPD #BronxDistrictAttorney #FatalAccident #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: Restaurant Charges to Use Bathroom

Westchester Square News: Restaurant Charges to Use Bathroom: Gotta Go? Better Have the #Dough! Restaurant Charges to Use Bathroom By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 29...

Restaurant Charges to Use Bathroom

Gotta Go?

Better Have the #Dough!

Restaurant Charges to Use Bathroom

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 29- Residents and visitors of Norwood got a shock recently when one popular restaurant began charging a $3 fee to use the restroom.

Those entering the El Caribe Restaurant located at 2 East Gun Hill Road were immediately confronted with a pair of signs that read, "Bathroom is only for the customers. You want to use it? You will have to pay $3.00."

One local resident who declined to use his name because he had friends among the staff, stated, "I think they’re going to lose a lot of business because it's a public facility and now your going to ban people from using the bathroom."

The resident added, "C

ustomers may want to go in there and wash their hands before a meal. Now they’re going to charge you to use the bathroom and wash your hands? That's crazy."

One East Gun Hill Road street peddler offered, "Since they started doing that we walk around the block and use the bathroom at North Central Bronx Hospital, so we just won't patronize them anymore. It's a shame and it's a lousy policy. No other restaurant is doing that, so we'll just go somewhere else."

Asked if he'd ever used the bathroom, the peddler replied, "Yes, it's a nice bathroom, but it's kind of small. It's not like the gas stations, but I don't think it's worth three bucks."

Repeated attempts for comment were met with employees slamming down the receiver of the telephone on two separate occasions.

The trend appears to be growing as the front door to the Mosholu-Montefiore Community Center a block away, now has a sign on it's from door that reads, "Sorry no public restrooms."   

Westchester Square News: #Fireworks at Orchard Beach

Westchester Square News: #Fireworks at Orchard Beach: Bronx Lights Up Photos by David Greene Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and New York State Senator Klein held a salute to t...

#Fireworks at Orchard Beach

Bronx Lights Up

Photos by David Greene

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and New York State Senator Klein held a salute to this great country at the annual "New York Salutes America Fireworks Extravaganza" at Orchard Beach.

#Fireworks #OrchardBeach

Westchester Square News: BP hosts eating contest

Westchester Square News: BP hosts eating contest: BP hosts eating contest Photo by Robert Benimoff Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted the first ever "Bronx Eating...

BP hosts eating contest

BP hosts eating contest

Photo by Robert Benimoff

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted the first ever "Bronx Eating Contest," featuring empanadas from Havana Cafe in Throggs Neck, at the annual "New York Salutes America" fireworks extravaganza at Orchard Beach on June 25. The event, which is co-sponsored by State Senator Jeff Klein, kicks off the city's week-long celebration of America's independence.

Westchester Square News: Pols Hail Supremes on #GayMarriage Decision

Westchester Square News: Pols Hail Supremes on #GayMarriage Decision: Pols Hail Supremes on #GayMarriage Decision  BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 26- Officials throughout the Bronx hailed the Suprem...

Pols Hail Supremes on #GayMarriage Decision

Pols Hail Supremes on #GayMarriage Decision 

BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 26- Officials throughout the Bronx hailed the Supreme Court’s decision making gay marriage the law of the land.

The court’s 5-4 decision allows gay and lesbian couples the right to marry in any of the 50 states. 

“Today is a historic day in the United States,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The Supreme Court has made history and affirmed a basic human right today by allowing men and women to legally marry throughout this nation, regardless of their sexual orientation.

“After two decades of litigation, the Supreme Court has finally expanded equal rights and marriage equality to all. I would like to thank the Supreme Court for having the courage to make this bold decision, and I congratulate this nation’s LGBT community for their efforts on this issue,” Diaz said.

“Today the Supreme Court put to rest a decades-long civil rights struggle for marriage equality,” said Rep. Joe Crowley. “In its decision the Supreme Court affirmed what a majority of Americans believe, that marriage between two loving individuals, regardless of their sex, deserves full protection under the law as afforded under the 14^th Amendment. History will remember this day as a watershed moment, a day when ‘we the people’ took another major step toward justice in our enormous and enduring struggle to form a more perfect union.

“So today, as we celebrate this momentous victory for our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters let us also remember those we lost along the way. Those who came before us as activists, advocates, and allies who, when faced with bigotry and violence, did not shrink, but rather stood for the belief that discrimination based on sexual orientation has absolutely no place in the laws and policies of our country. We stand on the shoulders of those giants today, and proudly proclaim love is love.”

“America will never forget this day, and neither will people all across the world who know the meaning of love and compassion,” said Mayor Bill deBlasio “June 26, 2015, will forever be memorialized as a pivotal moment in the history of our nation – the day the Supreme Court affirmed our core values of love, equality, and justice, rejected ignorance and malice, and appealed to the humanity in us all. Our country will finally afford millions of Americans the rights they have always deserved, but until now were unable to exercise. Today, this country is richer – filled with 

more equality, more acceptance, and more love than yesterday. And for the people of this city, where the movement for LGBT rights began in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, we can be proud that we helped blaze the trail to this great victory.”

Congressman Charles B. Rangel, who represents the 13th Congressional District of New York that includes Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, released the following statement on the Unite States Supreme decision on same-sex marriage:

"Indeed, all love is equal. I applaud the Supreme Court ruling on the same-sex marriage case and reaffirming that the union of the LGBT community should be treated equally. This decision marks another milestone toward American progress as the court reaffirms equal protections guaranteed to all Americans under the 14th Amendment. Today, a long overdue justice and equality have been served.

“Far too many couples have been denied protections by their governments, rights to legally commit to one another, and basic responsibilities as spouse and parents. The Court's ruling today makes it loud and clear that same-sex marriage is less about redefining the institution of marriage, but more so to ensure fundamental rights and dignity that gays and lesbians across the country deserve.

“As our nation celebrates Pride Month, this ruling could not come at a more appropriate time. I am proud that New York State is a leader in marriage equality and I look forward to other states across the nation recognizing this important right for all people. Let us continue on our path towards progress and let nothing stand in the way of ensuring equality for all,” Rangel said. 

#SupremeCourt #GayMarriage #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: #Marriott Opens Door in Metro Center

Westchester Square News: #Marriott Opens Door in Metro Center: Bronx Now has a First-Class Place to Stay Marriott Opens Door in Metro Center By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW ...

#Marriott Opens Door in Metro Center

Bronx Now has a First-Class Place to Stay

Marriott Opens Door in Metro Center

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 24- In a sign of the continued revitalization of the Bronx, community leaders hailed the opening of the borough's first upscale hotel. The ribbon cutting was also the capping of an odyssey for the Metro Center complex which went from an abandoned factory and vacant land to a thriving college campus style office complex and medical village.

The 125-room Marriott Residence Inn officially opened to great fanfare on Wednesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony with elected officials. Sure the Bronx has many motel rooms but none you would want to spend the night in. New Rochelle boasted the closest place to get a nice hotel room while visiting family rather than a hot-sheet motel. Now all that has changed with the opening of a first-class hotel.

"We’re thrilled that Marriott, one of the world’s premier hospitality companies, chose this location. Metro Center Atrium is unique in the Bronx – there’s nothing quite like it available anywhere else in the Borough. This truly is a landmark event for Metro Center Atrium, for our company, and for the Bronx," said Joseph Simone, President of Simone Development, whose company envisioned and built the Metro Center.

The Marriott is the crowning jewel in the Metro Center complex. The hotel caps off the Metro Center Atrium which is a mix of medical and office space in a suburban style campus.

Twelve years ago Old London Foods moved out of the area behind the Metro North tracks. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr said people were worried about the loss of jobs and that the land would sit unused. Now the Metro Center boasts 370,000 square feet of medical offices, an Applebee's, an LA Fitness and now a first class hotel. The complex also includes Mercy College.

"Today we have seen the realization of a magic trick," Diaz said.

Metro North is planning to reopen the old Morris Park station which will have a stop steps from the Marriott. Thus giving hotel guests access to transportation to Penn Station in Manhattan and upstate New York.

The new hotel is already a success. Officials say that although it officially opened today, the hotel is already 80 percent occupied. Business execs and hospital visitors to the medical centers inside the complex as well as nearby Calvary, Einstein Hospital and Jacobi Medical Center are staying at the new Marriott.

“Today is a great day for the Bronx,” said New York City Council Member James Vacca. “We welcome Marriott as the borough’s first hotel with open arms and hope it is the signal of even more great things to come. Clearly Marriott has recognized that the Bronx is a destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike. We already have beautiful parks, the

best zoo in the nation, the Yankees, and a PGA tour worthy golf course recently completed in nearby Ferry Point Park.”

Father Richard Gorman, chairman of Community Board 12, said the grand opening is a culmination of the revitalization of the borough.

"The Bronx is not only coming back. The Bronx is back," he said.

#Marriott #Simone #MetroCenter #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: Saints Dance on Arthur Ave.

Westchester Square News: Saints Dance on Arthur Ave.: Saints Dance on Arthur Ave. Photos by Dan Gesslein The smells of zeppole a...

Westchester Square News: Saints Dance on Arthur Ave.

Westchester Square News: Saints Dance on Arthur Ave.: Saints Dance on Arthur Ave. Photos by Dan Gesslein The smells of zeppole a...

Saints Dance on Arthur Ave.

Saints Dance on Arthur Ave.

Photos by Dan Gesslein

The smells of zeppole and sausage and peppers wafted through the air as the sounds of traditional Italian music filled the streets of Arthur Avenue during the Feast of St. Anthony. During the weekend long celebration feast goers got a chance to see a tradition return in the Bronx’ Little Italy as the “Dancing of the Giglio” was performed in front of Mt Carmel Church. Over 100 people lifted the platform containing the statue of St. Anthony as well as a performing band and danced through the streets.

#LittleItaly #ArthurAvenue #FeastofStAnthony #DancingGiglio

 

Westchester Square News: Cop shooting

Westchester Square News: Cop shooting: Tough Guy Gunman Found Cowering Under Car   BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 13- A gunman proved that he's not so tou...

Cop shooting

Tough Guy Gunman Found Cowering Under Car

 

BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 13- A gunman proved that he's not so tough without his Glock. 

At around 1 a.m. on June 13, officers from the 45th Precinct Anti Crime Unit were canvassing the Zerega Avenue in response to a person shot. 

The cops observed a male walking at Westchester Avenue and Rowland Street. When the man spotted the cops in the car he fled toward Tratman Avenue. 

The officers exited their vehicle and followed the suspect on foot. Cops say the suspect then turned and opened fire with a semiautomatic handgun. Cops returned fire without striking the gunman. The suspect's gun jammed in the chamber so he dropped it and fled.

Other responding officers found the suspect hiding under a car in front of 1439 Zerega Avenue.

Cops later recovered a .40 caliber Glock 23. 

#NYPD #Glock #Gunman #Bronxnews

 

br>


br>

Westchester Square News: Handjob Stabbing

Westchester Square News: Handjob Stabbing: Handjob  Stabbing (Photo by Andre Rivera) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 10- NYPD detectives ha...

Handjob Stabbing

Handjob Stabbing

(Photo by Andre Rivera)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 10- NYPD detectives have released surveillance video of the young man wanted in connection with the brutal stabbing death of another young man at the Handjob, just blocks from the local police station.

Officers from the 47th Precinct were called to the scene by a 911 call of an "assault in progress," outside of the Handjob Car Wash at 4010 Bronxwood Avenue at 3:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 7.

Arriving officers discovered the 20-year-old victim, later identified by police as Shawn Depusoir of East 236 Street-- laying on the sidewalk with one stab wound to the left side of his chest.

Depusoir, who was stabbed outside of his place of employment at the Hand Job Car Wash, was rushed to Jacobi Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Hours later detectives would release a video they say is the 20-year-old suspect, identified by police as Bronxite Rashawn Archer, who remains at large.

Officials say Archer is 5 foot 6 and was last seen wearing a yellow sweatshirt, red pants and black sneakers.

Anyone with information on Archer's whereabouts is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS, all calls remain confidential.   

#NYPD #Handjob #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: How’d That Gun Get There?

Westchester Square News: How’d That Gun Get There?: How’d That Gun Get There? Shot Spotter Nabs Clueless Gunman By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 8- Talk about a smo...

How’d That Gun Get There?

How’d That Gun Get There?

Shot Spotter Nabs Clueless Gunman

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 8- Talk about a smoking gun, a clueless gunman was nabbed by cops thanks to the new ShotSpotter system and he handgun hanging out of his pocket.

At around 4 a.m. on June 7, police responded to a report from ShotSpotter of a single gunshot fired in the Jackson 

Houses. Responding Officers Luke Paulson and John Carbone went to 325 East 156th Street where the ShotSpotter system recorded the gunfire. At the scene the officers observed a couple in their twenties sitting on a bench by themselves. 

The officers who are assigned to the housing patrol PSA 7, approached the couple and asked if they had heard any gunfire. The man and woman both said they heard nothing. Officer Paulson then asked the male to raise his arms and turn around. When he did not respond, the officer physically turned him around and patted the man’s pants and coat pockets. When he did so Officer Harkins noticed a portion of a handgun sticking out of his pocket. As the cops put handcuffs on the suspect the gun fell to the floor. While recovering the firearm cops recovered a spent shell casing under the bench where the couple was sitting.

Police recovered the loaded 22 caliber Walther P22 and arrested 22-year-old Charles Annis. Cops also arrested his companion Mary Tejeda who was wanted on a bench warrant. They recovered a small amount of marijuana from her purse. 

ShotSpotter uses a series of microphones placed on buildings in developments. The microphones pick up the sound of gunfire and its software is able to determine the location of where the shot was fired.

Officer Paulson praised the ShotSpotter technology in helping to locate shooters and get guns off the street. 

“You can canvass and save someone who has been shot. That is probably its greatest benefit,” said Paulson.

#NYPD #ShotSpotter #Walther P22 #Bronxnews

UA-29409426-1

Westchester Square News: Congressman Tours Homes Hit by Sandy

Westchester Square News: Congressman Tours Homes Hit by Sandy: Congressman Tours Homes Hit by Sandy BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 5- Rep. Joe Crowley, Vice Chair of the Democrati...

Congressman Tours Homes Hit by Sandy

Congressman Tours Homes Hit by Sandy

BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 5- Rep. Joe Crowley, Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, joined New York City Housing Recovery Office Director Amy Peterson on a tour of several Hurricane Sandy-affected homes in the Bronx to assess their progress in the recovery process. 

“For too many New Yorkers, the road to recovery from Hurricane Sandy’s damaging impact has been long and arduous,” said Rep. Joe Crowley. “Piecing your life back together after a disaster is never easy. While I’m pleased to see rebuilding efforts underway throughout my district and across the city, we need to have the resolve to see through the full recovery for these homeowners. I thank Housing Recovery Office Director Amy Peterson for once again engaging our community, assessing their progress and making sure we’re helping these families across the finish line.” 

In April 2014, Crowley joined Peterson on a tour to survey homes in Edgewater Park still struggling to recover from the hurricane.

#SuperstormSandy #CongressmanCrowley #EdgewaterPark #Bronxnews

Westchester Square News: Now it's Murder

Westchester Square News: Now it's Murder: Now it's Murder Fat Albert and Batman Beat Down Victim Dies BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 4- Three men wanted for a baseball bat b...

Now it's Murder

Now it's Murder

Fat Albert and Batman Beat Down Victim Dies

BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 4- Three men wanted for a baseball bat beat down are now wanted for murder.

Police say 47-year-old Bakari Sissoko died from his injuries when he was bashed in the head with a baseball bat in Mt. Eden. Police released surveillance video of their three suspects. 

At around 3:40 a.m. on May 30, Sissoko was found unconscious inside 1575 Townsend Avenue. The victim suffered such a beat down that he was knocked unconscious from fractures to the skull and face.

The three men wanted for questioning were seen on the building's video. One is heavy set. One was seen as shirtless and the third was seen carrying a baseball bat.

Anyone with information should call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS.

#CaughtOnTape #NYPD #FatAlbert #Batman #Bronxnews