9th Precinct issues headphone-theft warning

Photo via @NYPD9Pct

Auxiliary officers from the 9th Precinct distributed flyers last week reminding residents to remain aware of their surroundings while out walking. 

Per the 9th Precinct in an X post: "Recent thefts on 1st and 2nd Avenues involve thieves snatching pricey headphones. Keep an eye on your belongings." 

The 9th answered a resident's follow-up question by stating that the suspects were riding bikes and ripping off pedestrians' over-the-ear headphones. 

Perhaps headphone thefts will be a topic of conversation on Aug. 29 (4 p.m.) during the Build the Block community meeting for Sector D at the Third Street Music School, 235 E. 11th St., between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. 

Sector D encompasses the north side of Seventh Street to the south side of 14th Street from the west side of First Avenue to the east side of Broadway. (Find your sector here.)

Be a part of the conversation! Sector David's Build the Block event is happening on August 29, 2024, at 4 PM. Residents and business owners in Sector David are encouraged to attend and meet their Neighborhood Coordination Officers, Officer Coye, and Officer Gutierrez. pic.twitter.com/jjqnTQ9C7h

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) August 16, 2024

A blood drive at the 9th Precinct tomorrow (Tuesday)

Save a life, make a difference! The 9th Pct will be holding a Blood Drive Tuesday July 16, from 12:00PM to 6:00PM #donatehttps://t.co/f6pKN2DkWK pic.twitter.com/oWthf2oSQf

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) July 12, 2024

The 9th Precinct is at 321 E. Fifth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue. (Watch where you park!)

A new loading zone for the East Village

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

This past week, an attention-getting new No Parking sign appeared outside the 9th Precinct on Fifth Street between First and Second Avenues. The spot directly in front of the station house is now designated for "Prisoner Loading Only." 

An NYPD source explained that the space aims to "prevent an issue when a prisoner can escape." It is specifically intended for police use (sorry local residents!), facilitating the expeditious loading and unloading of prisoners. The goal is to have prisoners as close to the front doors as possible, minimizing "lollygagging" and reducing the risk of escape. 

Although there hasn't been an escape incident at the 9th Precinct, other station houses have experienced such issues, prompting this precautionary signage measure. 

Interestingly, while the space is designated for a specific loading zone, we spotted a marked squad car that didn't appear to be dropping off or picking up a prisoner. Our source acknowledged that police personnel will sometimes use it when stopping by the Precinct for errands. Officers in such cases are to monitor their radios to ensure the space is available when needed for its primary purpose.

H/T Carol From East 5th Street

Noted

Photo last night by Stacie Joy 

A noticeable absence on Fifth Street — workers removed the sidewalk bridge from outside the 9th Precinct between First Avenue and Second Avenue. 

It has been there since... late 2019? 2020? 

However, we heard a new one may be back here with a new contract/company. So enjoy while you can!

Thanks to all the readers who shared photos of this!

The 9th Precinct's Sector A NCOs are hosting a Build the Block meeting tomorrow afternoon

The 9th Precinct is hosting a Sector Safety Summit tomorrow (March 20) afternoon for East Village residents and business owners — this time for those who live in Sector A. 

This Sector encompasses the east side of Avenue C from East 14th Street to Houston ... and Seventh Street from Avenue C to First Avenue back down to Houston.

The meeting is tomorrow (Wednesday) at 4 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Republic Community Center, 888 E. Sixth St. near Avenue D.

As for these Sector meetings: "This is an avenue for you to voice your grievances or concerns with issues in and around the neighborhood."

This is part of the NYPD's Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCO) initiative. The 9th Precinct is split into four sectors, with two officers assigned to each sector. Find a list of the 9th Precinct's NCOs here. 

The 9th Precinct's Sector D NCOs are hosting a Build the Block meeting tomorrow afternoon

The 9th Precinct is hosting a Sector Safety Summit tomorrow (Feb. 8) afternoon for East Village residents and business owners — this time for those who live in Sector D. 

This Sector encompasses the north side of Seventh Street to the south side of 14th Street from the west side of First Avenue to the east side of Broadway. (Find your sector here.) 

The meeting is tomorrow (Thursday) at 3 p.m. at the Regal Union Square on Broadway at 13th Street (The auditorium will not be showing a film, though you can stay and see "The Beekeeper" on your own dime.)

As for these Sector meetings: "This is an avenue for you to voice your grievances or concerns with issues in and around the neighborhood."

This is part of the NYPD's Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCO) initiative. The 9th Precinct is split into four sectors, with two officers assigned to each sector. Find a list of the 9th Precinct's NCOs here. 

Saturday's opening shot

Photo by Stacie Joy 

Santa is coming to the 9th Precinct today, 9 a.m. to noon on Fifth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue... for the station house's annual holiday event.

A new CO at the 9th

Image via @NYPD9Pct

Capt. Pamela Jeronimo is the new commanding officer of the 9th Precinct... which made the announcement over the weekend...

We would like to introduce you to our new CO, Captain Jeronimo. Captain Jeronimo is coming with a great wealth of experience. Captain Jeronimo is also a licensed attorney. We welcome her to our great community!! pic.twitter.com/FqzctKAZ4t

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) December 9, 2023

This also marks the first woman to be the CO of the 9th Precinct. Jeronimo, who has been with the NYPD for 19 years, previously served as an executive officer at the 13th Precinct in Midtown South. 

She takes over the 9th from Deputy Inspector Ralph A. Clement, who held the position since October 2020. Clement is moving on to be the CO at the 103rd Precinct in Western Queens. 

Why the benches were removed from across the street from the 9th Precinct

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Last Thursday, citing safety and quality-of-life issues, including an increase in unhoused residents, the 9th Precinct removed the park benches from across the station house on Fifth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue. 

Sources from the Precinct told us that they've fielded complaints and witnessed activities including drinking, drug use and sex work. (Sources said the benches were also serving as makeshift toilets.) All this despite the presence of dozens of NYPD vehicles parked in the vicinity.

The NYPD asked people to unlock their bikes from the benches and fence as well... the posted flyers describe this operation as a "cleanup."

The incidents occurred outside the playground for PS 751 Manhattan School for Career Development on Fourth Street. The benches are the school's property, and officials there were said to be in agreement with their removal.

Benny (below), a resident who lives in a building on Fifth Street adjacent to the benches, approved of the removal, stating that he has seen the drug activity here. Benny has two kids and said he's "scared to walk by sometimes."

Precinct sources said they'd consider introducing a limited number of chairs and tables here at some point in the future... though it remains to be seen where the funding for such additions might come from...

2 men arrested for allegedly dealing drugs outside an NYPD block meeting

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Yesterday afternoon, the 9th Precinct held a Sector A Build the Block Meeting at Virginia's, the bistro on Third Street at Avenue B. 

Few people were in attendance (business owners I spoke with were unaware it was taking place). 

Topics for this part of the neighborhood during the session included drugs and crime on Third Street and Avenue D ... smoke shops and illegal cannabis sales and enforcement ... package thefts from residential lobbies... additional street lights for Third Street between A and B (a DOT issue), and shoplifting at Duane Reade on Avenue B and Second Street.

An unexpected highlight: Despite the heavy NYPD presence, at the tail end of this meeting, two local residents were observed selling/purchasing white powder drugs directly outside the meeting (next to a giant POLICE MEETING sign) and were arrested.

The 9th Precinct's Sector D NCOs are hosting a Build the Block meeting tomorrow night

The 9th Precinct is hosting a Sector Safety Summit tomorrow (Aug. 30) evening for East Village residents and business owners — this time for those who live in Sector D. 

This Sector encompasses the north side of Seventh Street to the south side of 14th Street from the west side of First Avenue to the east side of Broadway. (Find your sector here.) 

The meeting is tomorrow (Wednesday) at 5 p.m. at Downtown Social, 149 Second Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street. (The bar will not be in service during the meeting.)

As for these Sector meetings: "This is an avenue for you to voice your grievances or concerns with issues in and around the neighborhood."

This is part of the NYPD's initiative called the Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCO) program. The 9th Precinct is split up into four sectors, with two officers assigned to each sector. Find a list of the 9th Precinct's NCOs here. 

Details about the NYPD's Night Out Against Crime

Photo by Stacie Joy

The NYPD is hosting its annual National Night Out Against Crime tomorrow (Tuesday, Aug. 1).

In the East Village, the community-building event takes place outside the 9th Precinct from 4-8 p.m. There's free food (BBQ!) and other treats for attendees... as well as some kid-friendly entertainment. It's also an opportunity to meet staff from the 9th Precinct.

The Precinct house is at 321 E. Fifth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

9th Precinct teams up to host a blood drive

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

The New York Blood Center's mobile unit was outside the 9th Precinct on Fifth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue on Thursday afternoon... where community members and officers from the NYPD alike donated blood.

The law enforcement officials who donated told EVG correspondent Stacie Joy that they were doing so to help save lives...

You can visit the Blood Center's website for information about donating.

[Updated] Suspect who allegedly assaulted Ray outside Ray's Candy Story has been arrested

Updated 7 p.m. 

A second man, ID'd as 55-year-old Gerald Barth, was also arrested. Luis Peroza and Barth are suspected of several assaults, per published reports. According to the Post: "Barth allegedly pointed a finger at Peroza as the muscle in the unhinged incidents..."

Several EVG readers have emailed us about Barth, and that he is well-known in Tompkins Square Park

-----

The 9th Precinct this morning announced that an arrest has been made in the assault of Ray Alvarez, the 90-year-old owner of Ray's Candy Store. 

Today we informed Ray that we identified and apprehended the perpetrator responsible for this heinous crime.

Special thanks to Warrants Section, 9th Detective Squad, and Intelligent Division. pic.twitter.com/QM9H2DKwaT

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) February 4, 2023

[Updated noon] NY1 reported (and amNY) that police arrested Luis Peroza, a 39-year-old East Village resident. 

As EVG first reported, Ray and his employee Gabe were attacked outside Ray's Candy Store, 113 Avenue A, early Tuesday morning. 

A man struck Ray with what was described as a belt with a rock attached to it… causing a black eye and gash on Ray’s temple. Gabe was hit across the chest.

The suspect reportedly threatened to kill Ray, per the police report. All this apparently happened because Ray turned down an offer to buy seltzer water from the man and his accomplice. 

On Thursday night, a nurse finally convinced Ray to go to Beth Israel. We're told that a CT scan revealed three broken bones in his face and a dislocated jaw. The doctor put Ray on antibiotics and told him to go rest. Perhaps he will rest easier knowing that the police arrested the suspect.

P.S. Ray's 90th birthday crowdfunding campaign continues here.

Updated 3:30 p.m.

Mayor Adams thanked the NYPD in a tweet, linking to the Post's coverage this afternoon...
 

New York’s Finest never rests.

Thank you to the NYPD for their quick work in bringing the suspect behind the attack on the legendary Ray’s Candy Store to justice. https://t.co/QRBlX2g859

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) February 4, 2023

1010 WINS posted this perp-walk footage from today outside the 9th Precinct on Fifth Street...

Suspect Luis Peroza is walked out of the 9 Pct station house to face arraignment on assault charges for allegedly striking 90 year old candy store owner Ray Alvarez. Alvarez is resting at home. He has 3 broken facial bones. He plans to return to his store to work #1010wins pic.twitter.com/LDgCiDSWHk

— Carol D'Auria (@CarolDAuria) February 4, 2023

H/T Stacie Joy

Det. Jamie Hernandez honored after 34 years with the 9th Precinct

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Yesterday morning, East Village and NYPD community members came together to honor Det. Jamie Hernandez, who was retiring after 34 years at the 9th Precinct.

Hernandez, who headed up Community Affairs, took part in a walkout ceremony at the station house on Fifth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue...

... where he was joined by his family...

... members of the 9th Precinct...

... and representatives of the neighborhood's religious community...

Deputy Inspector Ralph A. Clement, the 9th's commanding officer, presided over the ceremony...

Here's part of the longtime detective's farewell...

   

 Hernandez, who told residents he'd be taking an extended vacation, then rode off in a unique NYPD cruiser...

Honoring Det. Jamie Hernandez after 34 years of service to the East Village

Photos by Steven

After 34 years with the 9th Precinct, the East Village community is bidding farewell this morning to Jaime Hernandez, detective first grade who heads up Community Affairs here.

This morning at 11, Hernandez is taking part in a walkout ceremony at the station house on Fifth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue...

Village Preservation selected Hernandez as a Village Awardee in 2020, noting that he "has built a highly regarded reputation throughout his career as someone who builds bridges, listens, and works closely and collaboratively with the communities he serves."

Also:

Jaime has been a finalist for a Village Award for several years now, but he always had other commitments and been unable to accept, including one year he missed because he had just donated a kidney to his daughter.

At the 9th Precinct today

Photos by Derek Berg 

The 9th Precinct's annual holiday party took place this morning on Fifth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue. 

The event included a toy giveaway to every child 12 years old and younger in attendance...

9th Precinct to address community concerns about Tompkins Square Park

We are also using this medium to invite all concerned residents to Tompkins Square Park this Thursday, November 17th at 10AM to discuss community concerns in regard to the park. Come voice your concerns to us, your community board and local politicians and other City Agencies!! pic.twitter.com/kWQcJ7EdUw

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) November 15, 2022

The 9th Precinct is hosting a community meeting in Tompkins Square Park tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 17) at 10 a.m. "to discuss community concerns" about... Tompkins Square Park. 

Based on the 9th Precinct's tweet, it sounds as if other local elected officials and Community Board 3 members will be in attendance. 

There has been an uptick in resident complaints about drug use and sales in the Park. 

Meeting spot: Inside the Park near Ninth Street and Avenue A.

The 9th Precinct touts a big drug bust in Tompkins Square Park

We've heard from residents discussing the uptick in drug sales and drug use in Tompkins Square Park in the past, oh, two years or so. (The comments in this post, for instance.) 

In a tweet on Tuesday, the 9th Precinct announced the following bust in Tompkins Square Park, which yielded "242 vials of cocaine and 108 decks of heroin."

A sign of police activity to come? 

Per the tweet: "We heard your complaints about the drug activities going on in the park and we’ve deployed more resources to the park area."

242 vials of cocaine , 108 decks of heroin and $834 were recovered from a drug dealer at Tompkins Square park by our public safety team. We heard your complaints about the drug activities going on in the park and we’ve deployed more resources to the park area. pic.twitter.com/5su2K9bVxd

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) November 1, 2022

Today in posts about things people are stealing

Hot topic and probably one of the hottest items for criminals these days!! BE AWARE pic.twitter.com/Tqqr5xQK5Y

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) July 21, 2022

The 9th Precinct tweeted this out the other day... an uptick in catalytic converter theft!

Per Car & Driver: 

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), catalytic converter theft has spiked dramatically due to three precious metals found inside them: palladium, rhodium, and platinum. How precious are we talking about here? At the time of this writing, an ounce of rhodium costs about $15,000.