Humanitarian aid is now being collected at your local precincts. Please only donate the items listed below before March 11, 2022. pic.twitter.com/TBgAHEYcjX
Idlewild Coffee Co., 300 E. Fifth St. at Second Avenue, closed this past Friday after service — less than two months from opening day.
It was awful timing for the cafe. We first spotted signage for the shop in late February. The COVID-19 PAUSE arrived about one month later, forcing them to hold off on a grand opening.
Idlewild finally debuted on June 15 ... nearly two weeks after this block between First Avenue and Second Avenue went on lockdown on May 30 as the 9th Precinct, located mid-block, placed barricades and an array of officers at both ends of the street to protect the station house from the threat of protesters.
A note on the door for patrons points to the ongoing presence of the barricades as the main reason behind the coffee shop's quick closure...
The letter reads in part:
These are crazy times and there have been too many things completely out of our control that have affected business. The police barriers at the ends of the block which have greatly restricted foot traffic has probably been the biggest obstacle for the entirety of our opening, so hopefully for the sake of our more established neighboring businesses, the barriers will be completely removed at some point soon so that some sort of normalcy can return to the wonderful block.
Thank you so much for the warm welcome and all the positive feedback you've given us.
Last Thursday, a member of the Save Our Storefronts (SOS) coalition spoke with Idlewild owner John Harper, who said that he ran out of cash between the COVID-19 pandemic and the 9th Precinct's lockdown. He said 10 to 15 years of his savings went down the drain.
As far as we know, Idlewild didn't send out an opening announcement — other than an Instagram post. And we didn't know the shop had opened. Our previous attempts to walk on the block were rebuffed by officers on duty who said that only residents could access this stretch.
Here's a look at the barricades the other day...
The barricades are less restrictive than they were in June and early July... and pedestrians are now OK'd to access Fifth Street ...
In an op-ed published in The Village Sun on July 15, Stuart Zamsky, who owns White Trash a few doors away from Idlewild, addressed the ongoing presence of the barricades.
[M]erchants and residents on these blocks are having a hard enough time trying to survive. We should not be interrogated in order to gain entry to our homes and places of business. If police have ongoing concerns about the safety of their station houses, couldn’t they limit the enclosures to the precinct buildings themselves?
In interviews (with CBS 2 for instance), the NYPD has repeatedly said that the streets around the station houses will reopen when there is no longer a threat. As the closure of Idlewild Coffee Co. shows, the barricades remain a threat to local businesses.
The NYPD yesterday released the dramatic body-worn camera footage from the deadly police-involved shooting early on Jan. 9 at Seventh Street and Avenue A.
As previously reported, two men, identified as Earl Facey and Richard Reid, got into an argument inside the Hayaty Hookah Bar at 103 Avenue A between Sixth Street and Seventh Street.
The fight escalated outside the club, when the two men — each reportedly carrying a .22 caliber handgun — fired at each other in a wild exchange that left bullet holes in adjacent businesses. (The video the NYPD released yesterday includes surveillance footage of the two men shooting at each other.)
The chase ended in front of 113 Avenue A, the address of Ray's Candy Store, where Facey was said by police to shoot Reid in the torso. Two uniformed officers who were on patrol nearby shot Facey on the northwest corner of Avenue A and Seventh Street. Facey later died at Bellevue.
The release of the body-cam footage and subsequent narrative offered by the NYPD provides more details about the deadly encounter. In the video, the officers from the 9th Precinct are identified as Liam Murphy and Christopher McLaughlin. The officers arrived as Facey shot Reid, according to Det. Martin Brownlee of the NYPD's Public Information Division who narrates the video.
Facey did not comply with commands to drop his weapon and lie on the ground, Brownlee said. "He walked away from the officers still holding his firearm with his hands in front of him..."
According to Brownlee, as Facey walked south on Avenue A, "he outstretched his left arm." At this point, both officers fired at Facey. He was struck in the left hand and back, and fell to the ground in the crosswalk. Murphy fired two rounds and McLaughlin one.
The NYPD said that they are "releasing this video for clear viewing of the totality of the incident."
The video contains disturbing images — viewer discretion is advised.
As we exclusively reported on Jan. 10, Francisco Valera, a photographer and photojournalist/videographer, who lives in a front-facing apartment on Avenue A at Seventh Street, captured the aftermath of the shooting.
He shared this two-minute video that shows the moments after both Facey and Reid were shot. (The first 15 seconds of the video were filmed sideways.) In the clip below, two officers have their guns drawn, crouching behind a trashcan, looking toward Facey, in the green jacket lying in the intersection.
An unidentified voice can be heard yelling "two shooters down" and telling officers to "holster up." Officers can also be heard commanding passersby to "back off" multiple times.
In the street outside 113 Avenue A, officers are performing CPR on Reid, on his back in the white jacket. An unidentified man is seen pleading with the police. "Officer, please put him in a car. Put him in the car — you don't have a fucking second!" The sounds of an ambulance can be heard in the distance. The man turns to the north on Avenue A toward the approaching ambulance. He pleads with the officers again to take Reid to a hospital in an NYPD vehicle: "There's traffic because of this! What the fuck are you all doing!"
Viewer discretion is advised.
Police have said that both men were reputed gang members and have been linked to prior shootings.
The NYPD is asking for the public's assistance in locating three suspects who are wanted in connection to an early morning assault on Jan. 1.
According to police, a 25-year-old man was assaulted by the three men near Ninth Street and Avenue A at 4 a.m. The victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital with a fractured skull and broken nose. According to the NYPD, the beating left the man with a traumatic brain injury.
Police sources said that the attack could have been the result of a prior dispute.
Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You may also submit tips online. All calls are strictly confidential.
The NYPD is seeking help in identifying the above suspect in connection to a burglary in the 9th Precinct.
Here's the info via the NYPD release:
On Saturday, Dec. 28 at approximately 1 a.m. the suspect entered an apartment building on East 2nd Street through the apartment's front door. Once inside, the individual removed the victim's wallet, which contained $200 in cash and multiple credit cards. The individual is described as the following: Male, mid 20s to late 30s.
Police say the suspect forced his way inside the apartment. The victim was reportedly a 24-year-old woman. It was unknown if she was home at the time of the incident, police said.
Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You may also submit tips online.
The 9th Precinct is hosting the last two Build the Block Sector meetings for the year tonight and tomorrow night for East Village residents and business owners.
The Sector D meeting is tonight (Thursday) at 6 at the 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue. (Sector D encompasses the north side of Seventh Street to 14th Street, from the west side of First Avenue to Broadway...)
The Sector C meeting is tomorrow (Friday!) evening at 5:30 at Middle Collegiate Church, 50 E. Seventh St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue. (Sector C encompasses the south side of Seventh Street to East Houston, from the west side of First Avenue to Broadway...)
Use this link to find out what Sector you're in for sure, and what meeting you should attend. Find the sectors and the responsible officers here.
The Sector meetings are an opportunity for residents and business owners to voice 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.
The 9th Precinct is hosting another Sector Safety Summit tomorrow (Dec. 3) night for East Village residents and business owners — this time for those who live in Sector B.
This Sector encompasses 14th Street to Seventh Street from First Avenue to Avenue C.
The meeting is tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6:30 p.m. in the Campos Plaza Community Room, 635 E. 12th St. at Avenue C.
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.
The 9th Precinct is hosting another Sector Safety Summit tomorrow (Nov. 20) night 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 starts at 6 p.m. (doors 5:30!) in the Village View Apartments, 175 E. Fourth St. between Avenue A and First Avenue.
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.
Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You may also submit tips online.
The 9th Precinct is hosting three Sector Safety Summits this month for East Village residents and business owners.
The next one is scheduled for Wednesday evening (Sept. 18) at 6:30 at Cooper Union for those in Sector D...
The Sector B meeting is Set. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Campos Plaza...
The Sector C meeting is Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Standard East Village...
Use this link to find out what Sector you're in for sure, and what meeting you should attend. Find the sectors and the responsible officers here.
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. (And not sure when the next meeting is for Sector A!)
Meanwhile, on Tuesday night at 7, the 9th Precinct hosts its monthly Community Council meeting at the station house on Fifth Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue.
This is an opportunity for residents to address any concerns and ask 9th Precinct officials for their input on recent crime statistics. (Find the PDF of the most recent crime stats here.)
The NYPD is looking for the following suspect... info via the EVG inbox this morning...
It was reported to police that on Wednesday, June 19 at 10:30 a.m., inside a residential building located in the vicinity of East 6th Street and 1st Avenue, an unidentified individual entered an apartment on the third floor through an unlocked front door and removed a Dell Laptop and a Michael Kors watch before fleeing through the front door, to parts unknown.
The individual is described as a male Hispanic, medium build, 50 to 60-years-old with a light complexion and grey hair. He was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt, a grey hooded sweat jacket and dark colored pants.
Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You may also submit tips online. All calls are confidential.
The NYPD is looking for the following suspect... info via the EVG inbox this afternoon...
It was reported to police that on Saturday, June 8, at approximately 12:30 p.m., at a residential building in the vicinity of East 6th Street and 2nd Avenue, the male forced open the building's rear exterior door to gain entry into the building's rear courtyard. Once inside, he removed the 33-year-old male victim's bicycle.
The person wanted for questioning is described as a light complexioned male; last seen wearing a dark colored baseball cap, a black hooded sweater, black pants and light colored shoes.
Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You may also submit tips online. All calls are strictly confidential.
According to several readers, an Interceptor SUV from the NYPD's 9th Precinct was traveling north along First Avenue — with its siren on and lights flashing — when it struck a cyclist crossing at St. Mark's Place this afternoon just before 4.
Witnesses believe that the cyclist, riding an e-bike and heading east, had the green light.
The images here are screengrabs from a 6-minute video that a reader shared showing the aftermath of the collision. (From the look of the crowd that had gathered, multiple people were filming this.)
The force of the impact propelled the cyclist into an area on First Avenue where a Verizon crew was working. One man on a hoverboard, a constant presence in the video, says: "He almost flew inside the truck! That's how hard they hit him."
From the video, the cyclist seems to be in a great deal of pain, screaming when the EMTs try to place him on a stretcher. He motions that he broke a leg. (The reader claims that the NYPD tried to make the man get up before the EMTs arrived, though that wasn't on the video.)
You can see the indentation where the SUV struck the cyclist...
We'll update when we receive more information about what happened and the cyclist's condition.
Updated 5/31
Patch follows up our story with a few more details.
The police were responding to a 911 call in which a 15-year-old boy was slashed at 14th Street and First Avenue.
The cyclist, 36, was taken to Bellevue with back and leg injuries.
And: "After the incident, cops slapped the e-biker with a summons for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle and operating an e-bike."
If you're planning your week out... the 9th Precinct is hosting another Sector Safety Summit for East Village residents and business owners. The next one is scheduled for Thursday evening for those in Sector B.
This Sector encompasses the north side of Seventh Street to 14th Street, from the east side of First Avenue to the east...
❗️REMINDER❗️Sector B has an upcoming #BuildtheBlock meeting and they want you there!
Per the NYPD: "This is an avenue for you to voice your grievances or concerns with issues in and around the neighborhood."
Find the sectors and the responsible officers here. Use this map to find out what Sector you're in, and what meeting you should attend.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments and the meeting will start promptly at 7 p.m. in the the Tanya Towers Community Residence, 620 E. 13th St. between Avenue B and Avenue C.
An old #scam is returning to the #EastVillage involving exterminators. They say the landlord sent them & you allow them in. Only things leaving are your valuables.
Admittedly the #NYPD has some excellent photographers, but this isn’t a glamour shot. We are asking your assistance in identifying this man #wanted for an assault that occurred on Wed 1/23. If you have any information please call #800577Tip@NYPDTipspic.twitter.com/EP0RcOQf1B
Police are looking for a square-jawed male model who allegedly choked another man in the East Village during a dispute over a woman, cops said Thursday.
Suspect Mike Jeffery allegedly launched his romantic attack at the 32-year-old victim’s home on Avenue B around 7 p.m. on Jan. 23, police said.
Jeffery allegedly placed the man in a chokehold and said: “Don’t talk to my girl. I should have done this before.”
The victim suffered pain to his hands and back and refused medical attention.
An unknown ‘side effect’ of driving a ‘wannabe pharmacy’ through the #EastVillage on the midnight—getting pulled over by 👮🏻♂️PO McVeigh and 👮🏻♂️PO Manel. Good stop. Great arrest. Thanks guys! #NYPDProtectingpic.twitter.com/HcMYZiDCsK
The 9th Precinct is hosting another Sector Safety Summit for East Village residents and business owners.
The next one is scheduled for Thursday evening for those 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...
Use this map to find out what Sector you're in for sure, and what meeting you should attend.
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 the sectors and the responsible officers here.)
Thursday's meeting is at the Community Room, 3 Haven Plaza (near 12th Street and Avenue C). Per the invite, doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments and the meeting will start promptly at 7 p.m.
The drive runs through March 11. 
