Crime in the City full episode: May 24, 2024
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
- ๐น 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.
- ๐ฎโโ๏ธ The store owner, Francisco Valerio, is charged with assault for accidentally firing his gun during a scuffle with alleged shoplifters.
- ๐ช The United Bodegas of America and community members are supporting the store owner, arguing that he was acting in self-defense.
- ๐จ NYPD statistics show a 4% increase in city-wide felony assaults compared to the previous year, with incidents happening in broad daylight.
- ๐ A woman was randomly punched in the face on the Upper East Side, marking another in a series of seemingly unprovoked attacks.
- ๐ค 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.
- ๐ 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.
- ๐ญ 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.
- ๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ 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.
- ๐ก Neighbors of Rex Herman are frustrated with the ongoing police and media presence, which they find disruptive and unsettling.
- ๐ 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
๐ 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.
๐จ 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.
๐ 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
๐กUpper East Side
๐กHate Crime
๐กSerial Killer
๐กRobbery
๐กShoplifting
๐กAssault
๐กGun Violence
๐กSelf-Defense
๐กBodega Association
๐กDistrict Attorney
๐กInvestigation
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 dรฉjร 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.
Transcripts
this week a random attack on the Upper
East Side it was the subway pushings it
was the beatings now it's a punching in
the face plus a possible hate crime in
Brooklyn and the search continues at the
home of a suspected serial killer oh my
God this is all over again it feels like
yesterday this happened right now Fox
5's crime in the city here are the
crimes from across the five burrows We
Begin this week in Queens where a
robbery gone wrong is caught on camera
at a Richwood liquor store
shocking surveillance video out of
Ridgewood Queens showing an altercation
between a liquor store owner and two
accused shoplifters it all ended with a
man shot and all three involved facing
charges Fox fives Lind Schmidt live in
Ridgewood where the group The United
bodegas of America just spoke out
against the charges for the store owner
Linda yeah and they are really fired up
about this tonight so are members of
this community a lot of them coming out
in support of this store owner now the
store owner of the store here behind me
is a married father of two uh he has
owned the store for for about 13 years
well now he is charged for pulling out
his gun and accidentally firing during a
fight with two alleged
shoplifters it's for it's this few days
been very very
hard you would think somebody that is
always doing the right thing by others
by his peers by everybody gel Valerio
overcome with emotion calling her
husband Francisco one of the good guys
now he could wind up with a record and
in jail if if he has to go to jail I
don't know what the kids are going to do
on Sunday two alleged shoplifters one of
them seen here wearing a red jacket in
this surveillance video were stuffing
liquor bottles in their coats Francisco
Valerio the owner of FR out Wine and
Liquors in Ridgewood Queens and one of
his employees caught the two
20-year-olds stealing and threw them out
of the store things got physical one of
the suspects kicking and punching the
owner the Queen's district attorney says
that is when the owner pulled his gun
from his waistband and tried to pistol
whip the suspect and accidentally fired
the gun hitting the suspect in the
stomach over and over the same crew came
in here four times to rob the store and
get away with it this time they did not
Valerio who was a father of two has a
legal concealed car permit for his 9mm
semi-automatic pistol da Melinda Catz
has charged the two alleged shoplifters
with Petty Larsen but the store owner is
charged with assault quote the store
owner was physically attacked by one of
the men unfortunately as alleged that
led to a reckless shooting by the store
owner on a public Street in broad
daylight all three of the defendants in
this incident will have to answer
charges against them the bodega
Association is demanding the da drop the
charges if you got shot and you're a
criminal you are a criminal you are not
a
victim we cannot as a community
allow for Francisco to get prosecuted
people in this community are also
weighing in supporting the store owner
the owner I believe has the right to
protect you know his business he had a
permanent Carri it
and they were assaulting him and it was
an accident he shouldn't be in trouble
it's self-defense like somebody's
violating his business I think that
that's okay for him to use
that and also tonight the alleged
shoplifter he is in the hospital
recovering but again so many people here
calling the owner of this uh liquor
store just a good family man in fact his
daughter recently graduated from
Columbia University if he is convicted
he faces up to seven years in
prison moving to Manhattan another woman
targeted in a disturbing trend of random
attacks well now to the uptick in what
seems to be random attacks on people
just walking in the city it's happened
again this time to a woman on the Upper
East Side and as Lisa ever shows us
women we she spoke to say that they've
also felt
threatened going to happen anywhere I
think just people are angry at the world
right now and they take it out on
whoever walks by them it's happened
again another woman has been randomly
punched in the face for no apparent
reason this time on Lexington Avenue on
the Upper East Side police say on
Tuesday May 7th the man you see here
allegedly punched the victim in the face
as she was walking on the sidewalk in
broad daylight just before 1: p.m. it
was the subway pushings it was the
beatings now it's a punching in the face
and I am very frightened myself to be
honest with you this incident comes
after a string of random attacks
including one of actor Bushi the most
recent NYPD statistics show that
city-wide felony assaults are up by 4%
so far this year compared to 2023 that
breaks down to about 3 every hour but
those numbers are based only on what's
reported it's terrifying you hope that
you can walk around your street and go
to work and live your life safely this
longtime resident is now weary even
while walking her dog after getting
aggressively shoved by a man in the same
neighborhood last month I was walking
with my daughter and my dog and just
slammed into me my bag went flying I
think that this neighborhood has really
taken a hit and I've lived here for 40
years and I can't wait to get out of
here to be quite honest it's not safe
some of the women we spoke with are
taking their own precautions I don't
wear headphones on my head anymore I
used to walk briskly I walk a little
slower I look behind me I look in the
mirrors in the windows adding to the
fears the fact that like the May 7th
attack the assaults are happening during
the day and like this incident by men
who appear to be regular New Yorkers
such an uptick I think of just people
looking for uh to to scare women to be
honest if you recognize the man you've
just seen in the images we've shown you
police are asking you to call 1800 577
tips and you don't have to give your
name now to Brooklyn two teens in Crown
Heights become the latest victims of gun
violence in the city two 17-year-old
boys were shot in the crown hide section
of Brooklyn tonight happened just before
7:00 off Bergen Street police say one
teen was shot in the chest and the other
was shot in the leg it's unclear what
led up to the shooting both teens were
taken to a local hospital in stable
condition the investigation is still
ongoing staying in Brooklyn an attack
outside of Bushwick home becomes the
focus of a hate crime
investigation well the nypd's hate
crimes unit is investigating after two
suspects reportedly hit a non-gender
conforming person with the pipe in
Brooklyn last week police say on May
13th around 5:00 p.m. the victim was
sitting on the front steps of their home
near boram Street in Bushwick Avenue
when two male suspects approached them
made anti-sexual orientation statements
and struck the victim in the head with a
metal pipe before running off the victim
had bruising to the head but refused
medical attention if you have any
information you're being asked to call
crimes
Stoppers back in Manhattan the man who
assaulted a renowned actor in Kips Bay
heads to court
the suspect in the unprovoked attack on
actor Steve Bushi is being held on a
$50,000 cash bail 50-year-old Clifton
Williams is charged with two counts of
felony assault police say he punched the
66-year-old actor in the face earlier
this month happened in Kips Bay Midtown
bashim is was treated for bruising
bleeding and swelling to his left eye
his publicist says he is doing okay
Williams is expected back in court this
Thursday and Fin fin L leaving the city
investigators once again descend on the
home of suspected serial killer Rex hman
the investigators have been at the home
of Rex hman since this morning it's
still not clear what prompted this new
search of his home and what they're
hoping to find all right let's get
straight out to Fox wife jod Goldberg
who joins us live from the scenea mipo
park Jody what can you tell us tonight
stepen Natasha I could tell you
officials descended on the home around
8:00 this morning and it's been a very
active scene ever since you could see
behind me the street is closed in a
command post has been set up as for
neighbors they say it's deja vu it was
back in July when officials started
searching the house after Rex hman was
first arrested no word on how they'll
how long they'll be here for and no word
on what they're looking
for the medical examiner parked outside
of Rex Herman's home on Monday morning
as investigators throughout the day went
in and out of the suspected Gilgo Beach
serial Killer's house with large
evidence bags law enforcement isn't
commenting on why they're back or what
they're searching for I'd love to know
oh my God this is all over again it
feels like yesterday this happened I
think this is a surprise to everybody
it's been 10 months since police
carefully comb through huan's house for
clues or so-called trophies to tie the
architect to the murders of Four Women
whose remains were found near Gilgo
Beach so far no one has been linked to
the murders of the other victims found
nearby but here in mipa park neighbors
say they're frustrated the police and
media presence is back it's very
disruptive we just want to know why
experts say this multi-agency search
involving the Gilgo Beach task force is
likely for something specific Herman's
estranged wife ASA erup and their son
are in South Carolina their daughter is
staying elsewhere according to lup's
attorney Bob macedonio who says he
hasn't received the application for the
search warrant or the warrant itself the
search comes 3 weeks after the same task
force worked the woods out in manille
and then the cell fork in suff County I
just hope they have something to end
this thing and put put it to rest and uh
we don't want this in our area just
constantly over and over again coming to
search this guy's house either find
something or don't now Kerman who's
being held without bail is due back in
court next month we reached out to his
attorney and have not heard back as for
lup's attorney he wants us to know that
no arrests have been made and he doesn't
anticipate any
either and that's this week's crime in
the city subscribe for more at
youtube.com/ fox5ny
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