In case the exterminator comes calling

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.

If you did not call, check with the building management before allowing anyone inside. #NYPD #CrimePrevention pic.twitter.com/vZkPIgeq2C

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) February 8, 2019

Noted

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! #NYPDProtecting pic.twitter.com/HcMYZiDCsK

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) January 22, 2019

NYPD offering reward for info in this morning's armed robbery of an off-duty cop on 13th Street

[Photo by Steven]

Police are offering up to a $2,500 reward for information about the early-morning attempted armed robbery on 13th Street (outside No. 208) between Second Avenue and Third Avenue. (Read our earlier post on this here.)

According to multiple published reports, an off-duty NYPD officer was walking home after his shift when a man carrying a gun approached him and demanded his phone.

Per the Post:

When he refused to hand it over, the brute allegedly struck him several times in the head with the weapon, causing lacerations. He fled empty-handed, cops said.

The officer was taken to Bellevue Hospital Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

The thief, who remains at large, is described as a black man in his 20s who was last seen wearing a blue jacket with a yellow hood, black pants and gray sneakers.

Here's a handout of the suspect via the NYPD...



---

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.

9th Precinct hosting a Build the Block meeting Friday evening for Sector C

The 9th Precinct continues to host Sector Safety Summits for East Village residents and business owners.

The next one is scheduled for Friday evening for those in Sector C. This Sector encompasses the south side of Seventh Street to East Houston, from the west side of First Avenue to Broadway...



Per the NYPD: "This is an avenue for you to voice your grievances or concerns with issues in and around the neighborhood." (Maybe someone will ask about the light tower on Second Avenue and Third Street.)

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. Use this map to find out what Sector you're in, and what meeting you should attend.

Friday's meeting will be held at the Bhakti Center, 25 First Ave. between First Street and Second Street. Per the invite, doors will open at 5 p.m. for refreshments and the meeting will start promptly at 5:30 p.m.

A new 2nd Avenue home for the NYPD's light tower

As noted on Saturday, the NYPD removed its portable lights from the northwest corner of Seventh Street at Second Avenue... and as several EVG readers have pointed out, the lights have moved down the Avenue... to the northeast corner of Third Street ...



A reader passed along these photos from yesterday... showing that the lights are now fixed on the southwest corner of Third Street, a spot where people have been known to congregate...



H/T Choresh Wald!

Previously on EV Grieve:
Report: It's 'Crusty vs. Postie' on 2nd Avenue

NYPD installs light tower on 2nd Avenue and 7th Street

Jump drama on 9th Street

There was a large police presence late this afternoon on Ninth Street/Stuyvesant Street and Third Avenue... EVG reader DPinEV shared these top two photos...



The unofficial word here was that a young man was threatening to jump out the window (hence the inflatable) ... there was talk that the man claimed to have been assaulted, but then he refused to come out when the NYPD arrived.

And here are a few shots via EVG regular Lola Sáenz showing how the NYPD responded and created a perimeter...







DPinEV reports that the young man was eventually led out in handcuffs.

As long as you love me

The story of an NYPD officer singing “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys over the PA yesterday on Astor Place is starting to go viral (with the help of PIX 11 and the Post)...

Here's the clip, via Instagram...

View this post on Instagram

The NYPD absolutely nailed it today. So cool to see the humanity in our law enforcement. A small thing like this can really give you some hope in such uncertain times. #nypd #nyc #lowereastside #manhattan #backstreetboys

A post shared by Jordan Haskins (@jordanphaskins) on Nov 10, 2018 at 11:38am PST

Police looking for suspect in slashing outside Karma on 1st Avenue

The NYPD is looking for a suspect in connection with a slashing outside Karma, the hookah bar on First Avenue between Third Street and Fourth Street.



According to the Post, a fight broke out inside the club around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, spilling out onto the sidewalk.

That’s when the man pulled out a sharp object and slashed his 25-year-old victim, causing a cut to the back of his head, cops said.

Police said the men did not know each other.

The victim needed stitches at Lenox Hill.

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.

In April 2017, a rapper who performs as Ju was slashed in the face during a fight outside Karma. Ju left in an Uber, but was ejected from the car "for excessive bleeding," the Post reported.

NYPD light tower back in illuminating action on 2nd Avenue and 7th Street

[Photo by Nick Solares]

On Sunday night, some kind of malfunction KO'd the police lights that were set up last week on the northwest corner of Second Avenue and Seventh Street...



However, after one night off, the lights were back on last night...



The light tower arrived last Wednesday night after increased complaints over unruly travelers/crusties gathered on the corner.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Report: It's 'Crusty vs. Postie' on 2nd Avenue

NYPD installs patrol tower in the middle of Tompkins Square Park (149 comments)

NYPD installs light tower on 2nd Avenue and 7th Street

NYPD installs light tower on 2nd Avenue and 7th Street

[Reader-submitted photo]

There have been several published reports (here and here) in recent weeks about the growing number of increasingly unruly travelers/crusties gathering on the northwest corner of Seventh Street and Second Avenue.

This past weekend, New York Post reporter Dean Balsamini wrote that he was allegedly punched by a traveler named Zeke, who apparently had a "farm-animal musk" and "Charles Manson eyes," per the article.

In response to these reports and a growing number of complaints from nearby residents and merchants, the NYPD last night set up a light tower on the corner, illuminating the sidewalk and empty lot — site of the deadly gas explosion in March 2015 — to deter anyone from congregating and camping out (apparently in keeping with the mayor's Omnipresence policing strategy).


[Photo by EVG reader Ryan]

In an email to local elected officials this past week, one nearby resident wrote: "It's terrifying to come and go day or night! They own the street and it's getting worse. These are drifters, not homeless to be pitied. Help before someone is murdered."

Another EVG reader worries that the corner can only get worse. Luxury condominiums are slated for part of the lot on Second Avenue and Seventh Street. The eventual arrival of a sidewalk bridge would only provide more cover for the travelers, who like this spot with its proximity to a LinkNYC kiosk and its free Wifi and charging station, according to the reader.

Back in July 2015, following published reports citing a perceived influx of homeless people and drug users in Tompkins Square Park, the NYPD installed a patrol tower in the middle of the park. The NYPD removed it after a week. (We did get the tweet tower out of all that.)

Previously on EV Grieve:
Report: It's 'Crusty vs. Postie' on 2nd Avenue

NYPD installs patrol tower in the middle of Tompkins Square Park (149 comments)

Why El Jardín del Paraíso is temporarily closed

El Jardín del Paraíso, the community garden that spans the block of Fourth Street to Fifth Street between Avenue C and Avenue D, has been closed since late last week.

Here's what Kelly Krause, a press officer for the Parks Department, had to say about the situation:

El Jardín del Paraíso has been closed temporarily at the request of the NYPD due to recent criminal activity in the area, unrelated to the garden. We hope to reopen the garden in a couple weeks.

Thanks to @artisanmatters for the photo!

Report of a suspicious package outside Cooper Union

EVG reader Chris Rowland shares this photo from outside Cooper Union... where the NYPD has blocked off the area due to a report of a "suspicious package."

Cooper Union's Great Hall also happens to be playing host tonight to the Democratic primary debate for New York State Attorney General ... however, they have not been told to leave, per a reporter on the scene...

There is a suspicious package outside Cooper Union where NY AG debate is being held. Debate hall not being evacuated. I was ushered off block right before a live shot at 7:15. Will apprise. ⁦@NY1⁩ pic.twitter.com/WZuHoK4nAG

— Josh Robin (@joshrobin) September 6, 2018

Updated

The suspicious package turned out to be a "harmless suitcase."

Reader reports: An early-morning police search on 5th Street and 6th Street

[Reader-submitted photo]

Several EVG readers asked about the presence of the NYPD helicopter hovering over parts of the neighborhood with a searchlight around 4:30-4:45 a.m.

There isn't anything from officials sources at the moment. Based on reader emails and the (sometimes reliable) Citizen app, police were searching for a burglary suspect. The Citizen app puts the scene of the incident at 519 E. Fifth St. between Avenue A and Avenue B.

The Citizen app had these updates... including request for the K-9 unit...



One reader put the helicopter in the air over parts of Fifth Street and Sixth Street between Avenue A and Avenue B at between 20 to 30 minutes. The last report from Citizen listed the suspect as still at large. Will update this post if any more info becomes available.

Updated 11:45 a.m.

Thanks to the commenter who pointed out this tweet from this morning...

Great example last night of “If you see something, say something” when a building super alerted our #NYPD AntiCrime team of a suspicious person which lead to the arrest of a serial burglar in the #EastVillage. @NYPDnews pic.twitter.com/eyb7VLLq0M

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) August 15, 2018

Body found in the East River near the Williamsburg Bridge

Earlier this afternoon, police recovered the body of an unidentified man from the East River just north of the Williamsburg Bridge. The body was reportedly first spotted in the river near East Houston and the FDR.

An EVG reader shared these photos ...



Patch had this report:

The NYPD Harbor unit discovered the unresponsive victim at 1:25 p.m before police divers pulled the victim's body from the river near the Williamsburg Bridge, said officials.

Emergency responders pronounced the man dead on the scene. Police are unsure if the body was dumped in the river at the Lower East Side or if the body was carried by the current from elsewhere, a police spokeswoman said.

The city medical examiner will determine the cause of death, and the investigation into the case is continuing.

The 9th Precinct's monthly Community Council Meeting is tomorrow (Tuesday!) night

The 9th Precinct's Community Council meetings take place on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. ... at the 9th Precinct, 321 E. Fifth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

NYPD looking for suspect who robbed woman in 13th Street building

The #NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying the male pictured here in connection to a Robbery that occurred on Sunday June 10 inside of 326 E13 St at 4:25PM. If you have any information we ask you to call #800577TIPS #EastVillage #NYC pic.twitter.com/kiI2DjhMRg

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) June 13, 2018

Police are looking for a man they say robbed a woman in her apartment building Sunday afternoon at 326 E. 13th St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Town & Village has more details:

The victim, 20, was entering her building ... at about 4:30 p.m. when an unknown man grabbed her from behind.

He then demanded her bag, and when she turned it over, he ran out. The victim is believed to have lost $1,100 worth of property, including an iPhone and cash, as well as personal items.

The suspect is described as black and in his twenties; and last seen wearing a baseball cap, black hooded shirt and blue jeans.

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.

9th Precinct beat: dining with a stolen credit card at Veselka; stealing then sprinting with a cane

The NYPD is asking for assistance in tracking down suspects in two recent thefts on Second Avenue...

The man pictured here was captured on 🎥 helping himself to a nice dinner Friday May 25 around 7PM at Veselka Restaurant in the #EastVillage. Only problem is he was using a stolen credit card. If you have any info on him we ask you to call #800577TIPS pic.twitter.com/v8aKcjKqog

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) June 6, 2018

And!

On Thursday May 31 at 2:30PM the man pictured here entered a coffee shop on 2 Ave in the #EastVillage and took a customer's wallet. He uses a cane to help him steal property but sprints away after exiting store. If you have any info on him call #800577TIPS #NYC pic.twitter.com/y8ZfaTbAdp

— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) June 5, 2018

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.

Report: Uber driver collides with 3 parked cars on Avenue D

Just after 10 this morning, an Uber driver reportedly sideswiped several parked cars on Avenue D near Fifth Street before flipping his vehicle.

EVG reader Sylvia G. shared these photos...



According to the Daily News, after hitting two unoccupied parked cars, the driver rear-ended a vehicle that was double-parked with someone inside. The Uber driver's black Toyota sedan overturned from the force of the impact, trapping him inside.

EMTs took the Uber driver and the victim in the double-parked vehicle to Mount Sinai Beth Israel for neck and back injuries, per the News. No word on what caused the collision. No charges have been filed yet against the Uber driver.

The 9th Precinct's Sector B NCOs wants to hear from you

Sean Walsh, a neighborhood coordination officer (NCO) for the 9th Precinct, shared the above flyer with me... with details on the quarterly meeting for residents living in Sector B — which covers 14th Street to Seventh Street from First Avenue to Avenue C.

Here's what Officer Walsh had to say:

"We are trying to encourage as many people to attend as possible. We want to hear the concerns of the neighborhood to help give us an idea of what to focus on to make this neighborhood safer, and to alleviate some of the issues that people are experiencing. No problem is too small and not to be discouraged from attending. These meetings take place quarterly and are always within the area each NCO covers. This program can only be as effective as the neighborhood wants it to be."

The meeting is tomorrow (Thursday!) at 6:30 p.m. in the Campos Plaza Community Room, 635 E. 12th St. at Avenue C.

The 9th Precinct and NYPD launched the NCO program last fall. The 9th Precinct is split up into four sectors, with two officers assigned to each of these areas. Find the sectors along with details on upcoming meetings here. Find a list of the 9th Precinct's NCOs here.

Noted

Spotted on 11th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue.

Not sure if the flu story worked. There's also an NYPD relocation sticker on the windshield...



Can't quite make out where the car was relocated from... looks like 37th Street?

H/T @losrambles!