Crime in the City full episode: May 24, 2024

FOX 5 New York

24 May 202410:30

Summary

TLDRThis week's crime report in New York City includes a random attack and possible hate crime in Brooklyn, a robbery in Queens resulting in charges against both the shop owner and alleged shoplifters, and an uptick in random assaults on pedestrians. The NYPD is also investigating a shooting involving two teens and revisiting the home of suspected serial killer Rex Hman. Community members and the United Bodegas of America are advocating for the store owner in Queens, while residents are alarmed by the increase in violent incidents.

Takeaways

📹 A robbery in Queens at a Richwood liquor store was caught on camera, resulting in a man being shot and all three involved facing charges.
👮‍♂️ The store owner, Francisco Valerio, is charged with assault for accidentally firing his gun during a scuffle with alleged shoplifters.
🏪 The United Bodegas of America and community members are supporting the store owner, arguing that he was acting in self-defense.
🚨 NYPD statistics show a 4% increase in city-wide felony assaults compared to the previous year, with incidents happening in broad daylight.
👊 A woman was randomly punched in the face on the Upper East Side, marking another in a series of seemingly unprovoked attacks.
🤕 Two 17-year-old boys were shot in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, with one hit in the chest and the other in the leg, both in stable condition.
🏠 An attack outside a home in Bushwick, Brooklyn, is being investigated as a hate crime, with the victim being struck in the head with a metal pipe.
🎭 Actor Steve Bushi was assaulted in Kips Bay, Midtown, with the suspect, Clifton Williams, held on a $50,000 cash bail and charged with felony assault.
🕵️‍♂️ Investigators are conducting a new search at the home of suspected serial killer Rex Herman, with no details provided on the reason for the search.
🏡 Neighbors of Rex Herman are frustrated with the ongoing police and media presence, which they find disruptive and unsettling.
🔍 The search at Herman's house is being conducted by the Gilgo Beach task force, which has been involved in previous searches related to unsolved murders.

Q & A

What incident occurred at a Richwood liquor store in Queens?
-A robbery attempt at a Richwood liquor store in Ridgewood, Queens was caught on camera, showing an altercation between the store owner and two alleged shoplifters, resulting in one man being shot and all three individuals facing charges.
What charges are the two shoplifters and the store owner facing?
-The two alleged shoplifters are charged with petty larceny, while the store owner, Francisco Valerio, is charged with assault for accidentally firing his gun during a physical altercation with the suspects.
How has the community reacted to the charges against the store owner?
-The community, including the United Bodegas of America, is supporting the store owner and is upset about the charges against him, believing that he was acting in self-defense and protecting his business.
What is the potential consequence for the store owner if convicted?
-If convicted, Francisco Valerio, the store owner, faces up to seven years in prison.
What recent random attack occurred on a woman on the Upper East Side?
-A woman was randomly punched in the face on Lexington Avenue on the Upper East Side in broad daylight, which is part of a disturbing trend of random attacks in the city.
How have random attacks in the city been reported to have increased?
-NYPD statistics show that city-wide felony assaults are up by 4% compared to the previous year, which equates to about 3 assaults every hour.
What incident involved two 17-year-old boys in Crown Heights, Brooklyn?
-Two 17-year-old boys were shot in Crown Heights, Brooklyn; one was shot in the chest and the other in the leg. The circumstances leading up to the shooting are unclear, and both teens are in stable condition at a local hospital.
What hate crime incident is being investigated in Brooklyn?
-The NYPD's hate crimes unit is investigating an attack outside a Bushwick home where two suspects reportedly hit a non-gender conforming person with a pipe after making anti-sexual orientation statements.
What is the situation with the suspect in the unprovoked attack on actor Steve Busch?
-The suspect, Clifton Williams, is being held on a $50,000 cash bail and is charged with two counts of felony assault for punching actor Steve Busch in the face in Kips Bay, Midtown.
Why are investigators searching the home of Rex Hman, the suspected serial killer?
-The reason for the search is not clear from the script, but investigators have been at Rex Hman's home since the morning with evidence bags, suggesting they are looking for specific evidence.
What is the public's reaction to the repeated searches at Rex Hman's home?
-Neighbors and the public are frustrated and surprised by the repeated searches, expressing a desire for the investigation to conclude and for the area to return to normal.

Outlines

00:00

🚔 Liquor Store Altercation Leads to Charges

In Ridgewood, Queens, a liquor store owner faces charges after a confrontation with alleged shoplifters was caught on camera. The incident involved Francisco Valerio, the store owner, who after spotting two 20-year-olds attempting to steal, engaged in a physical altercation that resulted in Valerio accidentally discharging his gun, injuring one of the suspects. Despite having a legal concealed carry permit and the fact that the same group had attempted to rob the store multiple times, Valerio was charged with assault. The United Bodegas of America and local community members are supporting Valerio, arguing that he was acting in self-defense and should not face prosecution. The two alleged shoplifters were charged with petty larceny.

05:01

😨 Rise in Random Assaults and Gun Violence in the City

New York City has seen an unsettling increase in random assaults and gun violence. City-wide felony assaults have risen by 4% compared to the previous year, averaging about 3 incidents per hour. Residents, especially women, are feeling threatened and have started taking precautions such as not wearing headphones and being more vigilant of their surroundings. A recent incident involved a woman being randomly punched in the face on the Upper East Side, contributing to the growing fear among the public. Additionally, two 17-year-old boys were victims of gun violence in Crown Heights, shot in their chest and leg respectively but are in stable condition at a local hospital. The NYPD's hate crimes unit is also investigating an assault outside a Bushwick home where a non-gender conforming individual was attacked with a metal pipe due to their sexual orientation. The police are seeking information on these incidents and urging the public to help identify the perpetrators.

10:02

🔍 Ongoing Investigation into Suspected Serial Killer's Home

Authorities have once again descended on the home of Rex Herman, a suspected serial killer, to conduct a search. The reason for the search and what investigators are looking for remains unclear. This comes 10 months after a previous search for clues or 'trophies' to link Herman to the murders of four women found near Gilgo Beach. Herman, who is currently being held without bail, is due back in court next month. His attorney has not commented on the ongoing search, and no arrests have been made in connection with the other victims found near the beach. The police and media presence has been described as disruptive by neighbors who are eager for closure on the case.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is a neighborhood in the borough of Manhattan, New York City. It is known for its affluent residents and high-end retail stores. In the video's context, it is mentioned as the location where a woman was randomly punched in the face, highlighting a trend of random attacks in the city.

💡Hate Crime

A hate crime is a criminal act motivated by prejudice or bias against a particular group of people. In the script, a hate crime is discussed in relation to an incident in Brooklyn where a non-gender conforming person was attacked with a pipe by suspects who made anti-sexual orientation statements, showcasing the theme of violence and discrimination.

💡Serial Killer

A serial killer is an individual who commits a series of murders over a period of time with a cooling-off period between each murder. The script refers to a suspected serial killer, Rex hman, whose home is being searched by investigators, indicating an ongoing criminal investigation and the severity of the crimes being discussed.

💡Robbery

Robbery is a crime that involves taking property from another person by force or threat of force. The video script describes an incident in Queens where a liquor store owner was involved in a robbery attempt by two alleged shoplifters, which escalated into a shooting, demonstrating the theme of crime and its consequences.

💡Shoplifting

Shoplifting is the act of stealing goods from a retail store. In the script, two 20-year-olds are caught shoplifting in a liquor store, leading to a physical altercation and subsequent charges, illustrating the video's focus on crime incidents.

💡Assault

Assault is the act of intentionally causing harm to another person. The video mentions several instances of assault, including the random punching of a woman on the Upper East Side and the attack on actor Steve Bushi, highlighting the issue of violence in public spaces.

💡Gun Violence

Gun violence refers to the use of firearms causing physical injury or death. The script reports an incident in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where two 17-year-old boys were shot, emphasizing the ongoing issue of gun-related crimes in the city.

💡Self-Defense

Self-defense is the act of protecting oneself or others from harm. In the context of the liquor store owner's actions, the script discusses whether his use of a firearm was an act of self-defense against the alleged shoplifters, raising questions about legal rights and boundaries.

💡Bodega Association

A bodega association typically refers to a group or organization that represents the interests of small store owners, often focusing on issues like safety and legal matters. The script mentions the United Bodegas of America speaking out against charges for the store owner, showing community support and advocacy.

💡District Attorney

A district attorney (DA) is a public official who serves as the chief prosecutor for a local government. The script refers to DA Melinda Katz, who has charged the two alleged shoplifters and the store owner involved in the incident, indicating the legal process following the crime.

💡Investigation

An investigation is a systematic process of gathering information and evidence to establish facts or prove a case. The script details ongoing investigations, such as the search of the suspected serial killer's home and the random attacks, emphasizing the active pursuit of justice and resolution.

Highlights

Random attacks on the Upper East Side and a possible hate crime in Brooklyn have heightened concerns over public safety.

A robbery in Queens at a Richwood liquor store was caught on camera, resulting in charges against the store owner and the alleged shoplifters.

The United Bodegas of America and community members are supporting the store owner, arguing it was self-defense.

The store owner, a father of two, faces up to seven years in prison if convicted, causing community concern.

An increase in random attacks on pedestrians in Manhattan, particularly women, has raised fears among residents.

NYPD statistics show a 4% increase in city-wide felony assaults compared to the previous year.

Women are taking precautions such as not wearing headphones and being more vigilant while walking.

Two 17-year-old boys were victims of gun violence in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, shot and hospitalized.

A hate crime investigation is underway in Brooklyn after a non-gender conforming person was attacked with a pipe.

The NYPD's hate crimes unit is looking for suspects who made anti-sexual orientation statements during the attack.

Actor Steve Bushi was assaulted in an unprovoked attack in Kips Bay, with the suspect now held on a $50,000 cash bail.

Investigators are searching the home of suspected serial killer Rex hman, though the reason for the search is unclear.

Neighbors express frustration and a sense of déjà vu as investigators return to hman's home for the second time.

No arrests have been made in connection with the search, and Rex hman's attorney has not commented on the new developments.

The search involves the Gilgo Beach task force, which has been active for 10 months since hman's arrest.

The community is hoping for a resolution to end the ongoing police and media presence in the area.