Photo from March 21 by Stacie Joy
Reporting by Stacie Joy
A 38-year-old man is in custody this afternoon in connection with shootings in Tompkins Square Park on March 16 and March 22, police sources say.
According to the NYPD, the suspect, identified as Waldemar Alverio, was arrested on Delancey Street by officials at the 7th Precinct.
The shootings were said to be the result of an ongoing beef between Alverio and another man, sources said.
Following a scuffle in the Park on March 16, Alverio allegedly fired several shots, striking two innocent bystanders. (Neither victim suffered life-threatening wounds.)
This past Thursday, police said Alverio returned to the Park where he fired 5-7 times without striking anyone. One bullet penetrated a window above Niagara on Seventh Street at Avenue A.
No word yet on the charges against Alverio.
Since the shootings, the NYPD has added foot patrols to Tompkins Square Park.
By now, you should have seen your 9th precinct officers patrolling on foot in and around Tompkins square park. They will be addressing crimes and quality of life issues. Please, be rest assured that we will continue to do our very best to keep this legendary park safe!! pic.twitter.com/D3YXAnd5CB
— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) March 25, 2024