Heavy NYPD & FDNY Presence At Roosevelt Island Riverwalk Park Affordable Housing Building This Morning For Emotionally Disturbed Person Barricaded In Her Apartment - Residents Very Concerned About Longstanding Building Safety And Security Problems

There was a large NYPD and FDNY response this morning to an incident at the Roosevelt Island 460 Main Street Riverwalk Park affordable housing building including officers from the 114 precinct, the Emergency Services Unit (ESU), Technical Assistance Response Unit (TARU) and the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department.

Tipsters reported a woman wielding a hammer or pipe barricaded herself in a 6th floor apartment and smoke was smelled in the hallway. After several hours the woman was taken away on a stretcher by FDNY. 

Riverwalk Park management sent an email notice to residents saying this was an isolated incident. 

According to many residents, this was not an isolated incident but only one example of many longstanding problem incidents at the building.

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Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Communications &  Community Affairs Director Bryant Daniels reports:

At 7:21AM, PSD responded to a report of an individual experiencing a mental health issue at 460 Main Street. Upon arrival, PSD requested assistance from the NYPD, who responded to the scene and corrected the situation. DCPI can provide additional information as needed.

As Chief Brown has consistently stated over the past two years, Roosevelt Island is not immune to the mental health crisis affecting our city. PSD will continue to work with the residents of 460 Main Street to support the building in providing compassionate care to those in need.

A NYPD spokesperson added:

An emotionally disturbed woman was taken to the hospital. There were no injuries reported.

Residents of Riverwalk Park spoke about their issues of concern during the March 11, 2025 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Community Engagement meeting with RIOC Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown. According to residents:

... three things that we are very concerned about still to this day is the safety, security and cleanliness of the building. We have a very very serious problem in this building...

and: 

... some of the biggest issues is the domestic violence in the building. and we've had several people who have been attacked, assaults. My understanding is that at least one of the two is still in the courts, this is 4 years later...

I asked Riverwalk Park management for:

... comment on this incident today and the longstanding safety and security problems described by residents?

Riverwalk Park Management asked for additional time to answer. I will update story with their response.

Update From NYPD And RIOC PSD Chief On What Happened To Man Hit By F Train At The Roosevelt Island Subway Station Last Week

As previously reported, last Wednesday, December 18, a man was hit by an oncoming F Train on the Queens bound track of the Roosevelt Island subway station. According to the FDNY Chief at the scene:

... approximately 15:53 hours today, we had a person struck by a Queens bound train heading towards Queens Plaza.

The train rolled over the patient by about two cars. Patient was quickly removed by FD units to waiting EMS bus and is now being transported to a local hospital in Manhattan.

PD is investigating the circumstances as to what happened.... injuries are serious at this moment...

During the December 19 Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Board of Directors meeting, RIOC Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown reported that the man accidentally slipped on the platform falling to the tracks and went underneath the train. He suffered a severed leg when hit by the oncoming F train. The man was not a Roosevelt Island resident according to the Chief.

Chief Brown added that the people on the platform who witnessed the incident were affected by the incident.

I asked the NYPD today:

I am following up on the December 18 incident at the Roosevelt Island Subway Station where a man was struck by the F Train on the Queens bound platform. At the time, the DCPI said no criminality was suspected and that incident is still being investigated. 

Is there any update on the investigation regarding what happened and the injuries sustained by the victim? I'm told the man slipped as the train was coming into the station and that his leg was severed. Is that true? 

 Do you have any more information about the incident?

A NYPD spokesperson replied: 

 On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at approximately 1550 hours, police responded to a 911 call for an aided individual at the Roosevelt Island subway station on the F line, within the confines of the 114 Precinct/Transit District 20. Upon arrival, officers observed a 45-year-old male on the roadbed with injuries indicative of falling from an elevated position. EMS responded and transported the individual to Bellevue in stable condition. No criminality is suspected at this time.

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Woman Vandalizing Vehicles Near Cornell Tech Tries To Escape From Roosevelt Island PSD Officers by Jumping Into The East River This Morning - NYPD Boat Safely Removes Woman From The Water

A Roosevelt Island Tipster shares these photos and reported this morning:

According to the tram operator, a woman has been wading in the water for at least a half hour.  

Someone spotted her and called PSD, then a boat and fire trucks showed up.

Wonder what's going on?

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown and Communications Department Director Bryant Daniels:

I understand there was a woman who climbed over the railing into the East River this morning near the Queensboro Bridge.

Do you have any more info on what happened?

Mr Daniels replied:

At approximately 7:30AM this morning PSD officers observed a female vandalizing 2 vehicles in front of 22 North Loop Road. When they attempted to apprehend her, she fled toward the river and jumped over the west sea wall, where she stood on the rocky coast before entering the East River up to her knees. NYPD and FDNY were also notified and responded to the scene. After some time, NYPD was able to remove the woman from the water. She was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

A Roosevelt Island Tram rider shares this video of the incident.

NYPD Special Victims Squad Seeking Your Help Identifying Suspect In June 29 Roosevelt Island Sexual Assault Forcible Touching Of 19 Year Old Female

Two week ago I noticed two NYPD Special Victims detectives appearing to be investigating an incident by the Roosevelt Island Riverwalk Commons area. I asked the detectives what happened but they declined to comment.

The NYPD Special Victims unit tweeted yesterday:

Here is an updated picture of this man still wanted by the Queens Special Victims Squad for a sexual assault that occurred on June 29, 2024, at 3:20 a.m. in the vicinity of Roosevelt Island. If you have any information, call 718-520-9277. https://t.co/zldV8B70Xi pic.twitter.com/34sf0mCR6W

— NYPD Special Victims (@NYPDSVU) July 15, 2024

I asked the NYPD for further information:

The NYPD Special Victims tweeted today about a sexual assault that occured June 29 on Roosevelt Island which is in the jurisdiction of the 114 precinct in Queens.

Here is link to the Tweet.

Please note that there is a subtweet which says the assault took place on Roosevelt Avenue which is different from Roosevelt Island.

The picture of the suspect is from the Roosevelt Island subway station.

Do you have any more specific information on what happened?

A NYPD spokesperson answered today:

It was reported to police that on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at approximately 0315 hours, a 19-year-old female was walking in the vicinity of Main Street and West Main Street, when an unknown male approached her and demanded a kiss. The complainant asked the individual to leave her alone. The individual then pushed her against a wall and, and forcibly touched the victim’s private area.. There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident. The suspect fled on foot. There is no arrest and the investigation is ongoing.

RIOC Reports Large Group Of Disorderly People Fighting On Roosevelt Island Main Street Last Night Closing Traffic For 25 Minutes - NYPD Arrests 2

Last evening about 8 PM I started getting messages and photos of a brawl on Main Street with a large response by NYPD, FDNY ambulances and Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department to the incident.

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Communications Director Bryant Daniels and PSD Chief Kevin Brown last night:

There are a lot of NYPD and ambulances tonight on Main Street. Residents report a brawl between groups on Main Street. Can you provide details as to what happened?

RIOC Communications Department Director Bryant Daniels answered this morning:

At about 8:30 PM in front of 546 Main Street there was a large group of disorderly people whose conduct descended into fighting. Both PSD and NYPD responded to the incident and two arrests were made by NYPD officers, one male and one female (juvenile), both charged with disorderly conduct. They were taken to the 114th precinct for processing. Due to the scope of the NYPD response, traffic was closed on Main Street for approximately 25 minutes. There were no reported injuries.

The RIOC PSD Daily Blotter reported the incident as follows:

05/02/24 – 2015 – 540 Main Street – Disorderly Group – PSD and NYPD responded – Report filed.

A NYPD Spokesperson adds:

A juvenile report* for disorderly conduct was issued a 14 year-old female. There were no other reports issued. 

*a report taken for a subject under 16 who allegedly committed an act that would constitute an offense if committed by an adult.

Domestic Violence Assault Arrest Yesterday On Roosevelt Island - Victim Claims Being Struck Several Times With A Cane By Sibling

There was Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department and NYPD activity on Main Street yesterday morning blocking traffic and briefly suspending Red Bus Service.

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Communications Director Bryant Daniels:

Do you have any additional details regarding the assault arrest shown in PSD Blotter below?

04/28/24 – 1040 – 560 Main Street – Assault – PSD, NYPD, and EMS responded – Arrested by NYPD.

Mr Daniels answered:

At 10:40 AM Sunday an individual visited PSD and reported that they had been the victim of a domestic assault at a relative’s residence at 560 Main Street. The victim claimed the assailant, their sibling, struck them several times with a cane. Prior to arriving at PSD, the victim had also called 911 and reported the incident, resulting in an NYPD response. NYPD officers arrested the alleged perpetrator for assault at approximately 10:52 AM. No other weapons were involved.

During the October 17, 2023 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Community Engagement meeting, PSD Chief Kevin Brown reported that Roosevelt Island (I minute 22 second mark):

... has above average domestic violence issues. Half of my complaints a year are attributed to some kind of domestic violence. It runs the gamut, partners, spouses, children, parents...

April 6 Assault At Roosevelt Island F Train Subway Station Platform And April 8 Assault At Motorgate Garage

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Daily Blotter reports 2 assaults taking place on Roosevelt Island this past week.

According to the RIOC PSD Blotter:

04/06/24 – 1913 – 400 Main Street – Assault – PSD, EMS, and NYPD responded – Report filed/ Transported to hospital.

04/08/24 – 0451 – 688 Main Street – Assault – PSD, EMS and NYPD responded – Report file

I asked RIOC Communications Director Bryant Daniels and the NYPD for more details about these incidents.

According to a NYPD spokesperson:

There is a report on file for a robbery, within the confines of the Transit District 20/114 Precinct. A 54 year-old female reported to police that on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at approximately 1900 hours, while on the northbound platform waiting for a train at the Roosevelt Island train station she observed two females that she had a prior dispute with. A verbal dispute ensued which became physical. The complainant was punched and kicked multiple times in the face ... She suffered bleeding and a broken nose. They also removed $20 and her wig. Both individuals fled the location in an unknown direction. There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.

Regarding the April 8 Motorgate assault incident, 

RIOC Communications Director Bryant Daniels reports:

At approximately 4:51AM PSD responded to a call of a reported assault at 688 Main Street. Upon arriving at the scene, they spoke with a victim who stated he had been assaulted by an adult male. The victim sustained minor injuries and was examined by EMS. PSD officers took down a description of the assailant, located and detained the individual also at 688 Main Street. NYPD also responded and placed the individual under arrest. There was no weapon involved in the incident and both individuals were non-residents.

Mr Daniels added that he believes the victim was a homeless individual.

As previously reported:

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) hosted a March 12 community engagement meeting at the Good Shepherd Community Center.

RIOC PSD Chief Kevin Brown, Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso, Deputy General Counsel/Interim Leadership Team member Gerrald Ellis, Communications Director Bryant Daniels and about a dozen Roosevelt Island residents attended the almost hour long meeting.

Among the issues discussed were:

• Overall low level of crime on Roosevelt Island but there are incidents of domestic violence and mental health issues,
• Issuance of parking summons and towing,
• Crowd control during Cherry Blossom Season and on the Roosevelt Island Tram,
• Shoplifting at Duane Reade,
• Missing packages at Roosevelt Landings
• Keeping communications open between PSD and the community,
• Lack of bathrooms,
• and more.

Here's full video of the March 12 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Community Engagement Meeting.

Two Brothers Arrested With Arsenal Of Homemade Explosives, Ghost Guns & Hit List Of Cops, Judges, Politicians And Celebrities At Apartment Across From Roosevelt Island Bridge In Astoria Yesterday Announced Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz

A Tipster reported:

Are you going to do any reporting on the early morning police raid on the suspected terrorists arrested from apartment building across from the RI bridge on Vernon Blvd? Apparently police found multiple weapons, bomb making equipment, and partially completed bomb. 

 

 A Roosevelt Island resident asked this morning:

Any info on the weapon raid in the apt house on the corner of the Queens side of the R.I.bridge?

NBC New York reports:

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and NYPD announced on (X)Twitter:

An arsenal of homemade bombs and ghost guns was found in an Astoria apartment.

We cannot measure the number of lives that were saved, but we do know that these weapons will never hurt anyone.

Two brothers each face 25 years in prison. https://t.co/ClBp0gKmed pic.twitter.com/VAOGAt8xSN

— Queens DA Katz (@QueensDAKatz) January 29, 2024

Our Major Case Team has recovered over 600 ghost guns since 2021. In a recent investigation, announced today with @QueensDAKatz, investigators found an arsenal of explosive devices and ghost guns before they could be used to cause harm. https://t.co/tvEVM2h6tB pic.twitter.com/EJHInHFZ6b

— NYPDCounterterrorism (@NYPDCT) January 29, 2024

According to a January 29 press release from the Queens District Attorney's office:

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Andrew and Angelo Hatziagelis were indicted on 130 counts of criminal possession of a weapon and related charges after an arsenal of improvised explosive devices and ghost guns, including assault rifles, was found inside an Astoria apartment they shared with their mother and another brother. Instructions for making a variety of bombs, anarchist propaganda and a “hit list,” with “cops, judges, politicians, celebrities” and “banker scum” scrawled on it, were also found during a search of the home....

 ... On January 17, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on the brothers’ residence resulting in their arrests and the seizure of:

Eight operational improvised explosive devices (IEDs)

One partially constructed trip-wire IED

Two loaded AR-15 style ghost gun assault weapons, each with a detachable magazine, muzzle compensator and threaded barrel

Two loaded 9 mm semiautomatic ghost gun pistols

Two loaded 9 mm semiautomatic 3D printed ghost gun pistols

One partially constructed AK-47 style ghost gun

Over 600 rounds of ammunition for each of the firearms above

One 3D printer

Three sets of body armor

Six additional AR/pistol lower receivers

29 high-capacity ammunition feeding devices, 13 of which were personally manufactured utilizing a 3D printer

Tools to assemble ghost guns

Metal knuckles

A radio set to the frequency of the 114th Precinct in Astoria

Several electronic devices (phones, computer)

Numerous notebooks containing instructions on the manufacture of explosive devices and anarchist related propaganda

Explosive residue, and components to manufacture additional IEDs

Nine pyrotechnic smoke bombs

Upon execution of the search warrant at the apartment complex, which is located directly across from a Con Edison power plant, members of the NYPD Bomb Squad were called to respond and subsequently evacuated the building due to the discovery of the live IEDs.... 

Click here for the full press release from the Queens District Attorney.

Bang, Bang, Bang, Roosevelt Island Residents Report Hearing Possible Multiple Gunshots Near Manhattan Park And Octagon Buildings Overnight Last Thursday - RIOC PSD And NYPD 114 Precinct Received Reports And Shotspotter Sensor Tech Did Not Detect Any Gunshots At The Time They Say

Last Friday morning November 17, a Roosevelt Island resident asked:

I live in the Octagon and in the middle of last night, I heard what sounded like several gunshots. I went to Citizen this morning and found this post: 

 Have you heard anyone else report anything? Very unsettling. 

A Roosevelt Island Manhattan Park resident reported:

Gun shots at 30 River Road

At approximately 2:44AM on Friday morning we were awoken by what I thought was a loud banging on our wall. Then we heard nearby gunshots maybe six, fired from below our open window, near the entrance of Manhattan Park, at 30RR. Looking out the window, we saw no one, no police, no cars, nothing.

So we went back to bed only to be awoken about 15-20 minutes later to more distant gun shots. What on earth is going on here? Can you report on this incident?

Other residents heard the commotion and apparently someone called police.

Another Manhattan Park resident reported:

I'm at 30 RR, and my wife and I were awakened around 2am by the very distinct sound of gunshots (our window was open). We heard 6-8 gunshots followed by a pause and then another 6-8 gunshots. 

After about 15 minutes or so, there was another series of gunshots that sounded a little more distant, though I'm not really sure. I don't know where exactly the gunshots were, but definitely in the north side of the island around the Manhattan Park apartments or the soccer field... 

I'd be really interested in an update, to see if shell casings were recovered. 

Just to be clear, my wife and I both know what a handgun sounds like, and this was definitely it. I suspect that the shooter emptied two clips and then emptied a third clip later as he was walking around. We didn't hear any yelling or commotion of any kind. 

At least 3 other residents heard what they thought were gunshots at that time too. 

On November 18, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown:

Several Roosevelt Island residents reported to me hearing gunshots early Friday morning ... about 2 AM in the vicinity of 30 River Road and 888 Main Street....

... Do you have any information on this important matter of concern to Roosevelt Island residents?...

There was no  response from RIOC. 

I asked NYPD too. A NYPD spokesperson replied they had no information on any Roosevelt Island gunshots at the time reported.

During the November 21 RIOC Public Safety Department Community Engagement meeting, Chief Brown and NYPD 114 Precinct Commander Deputy Inspector Kenneth Gorman said they received no reports and had no knowledge of any gunshots on Roosevelt Island at that time.

Inspector Gorman added that the NYPD Shotspotter accoustic sensor technology deployed on Roosevelt Island did not detect any gunshots at that time.

Here's the discussion.

According to the NYPD 2021 Shotspotter Impact and Use Policy:

ShotSpotter is a gunshot detection system. ShotSpotter uses acoustic sensors to quickly detect and alert New York City Police Department (NYPD) personnel of confirmed gunfire incidents. The system reduces gunfire incident response times, provides valuable evidence for investigations and criminal prosecutions, and enhances both public and officer safety.

The NYPD produced this impact and use policy because the gunshot detection system processes acoustic data, and shares acoustic and location data with NYPD personnel...

Does #ShotSpotter work? Yes, and so do our full suite of products as well. pic.twitter.com/k16JlmBYuy

— SoundThinking (formerly ShotSpotter) (@soundthinking_) November 14, 2023

A 2021 BBC report on the Shotspotter sensor detection technology examining whether it is accurate and reliable?.

and a 2022 Bloomberg article reports on NYPD's use of Shotspotter.

Emails show that ShotSpotter shared locations of where it wanted to place its gunshot detection sensors in one Upper West Side precinct with the NYPD https://t.co/NlzXnm4DSz

— Bloomberg CityLab (@CityLab) December 26, 2022

Here's the full November 21 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Community Engagement meeting.

According to RIOC:

Deputy Inspector Gorman from the 114th precinct also spoke on the precinct’s domestic violence unit and highlighted the prevention of car theft, particularly concerning catalytic converters, Hyundai, and Kia vehicles. pic.twitter.com/JcBe9rw2Yl

— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny) November 22, 2023

Sgt. Spencer's proactive engagement with the Roosevelt Island Youth was also brought to the fore. These meetings are an open platform for everyone to engage in candid discussions concerning the Roosevelt Island community. We plan to convene the next PSD meeting on Dec 12 at 6PM. pic.twitter.com/KOIt5Ybn5t

— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny) November 22, 2023

NYPD Auxiliary Officers Undercover Sting Makes 3 Marijuana Buys At Roosevelt Island Main Street Smoke Shop Earlier This Summer - One Month Later Smoke Shop Is Closed

 Reported last August 17 that the Roosevelt Island Smoke Shop on Main Street:

... packed up and moved out last night....

which was confirmed by Main Street retail master leaseholder Hudson Related:

Confirmed!

The tenant and Hudson Related came to an agreement where they surrendered the space. We are working on a new concept and hope to share more information soon. We are glad to put this behind us and look forward to bringing a quality tenant and use to the island.

We learned more about the circumstances surrounding the removal of the Smoke Shop from Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown during the September 19 RIOC Public Safety Community Engagement meeting. According to Chief Brown, the process of removing the Smoke Shop began during the June 13 RIOC PSD Community Engagement meeting when NYPD 114 precinct Lieutenant Dickson learned of the problems at the smoke shop from Roosevelt Island community members. Chief Brown reported:

We had a number of community complaints about the smoke shop that was right across the street from Public Safety. These smoke shops have popped up all over the city.  They are a nuisance. Ours is gone....

And this why... community pressure ... NYPD played an instrumental role and I can tell you how. The Lieutenant was here that night and he heard a lot of the community complaints. There is s a program, and it's not a secret, but there is a program in NYPD where they have undercover auxiliary officers who are under the age of 21. They go into these smoke shops. They make buys. They were they were selling marijuana in the smoke shop.

... Then there's a process where the City then evicts them from their storefront. When the lieutenant was here, we went to the top of their list and he took care of that in one month. He made three buys in the location they were served and then they were gone.

That's how these community meeting are very, very helpful. That we can hear you. We hear your voice. We want to make sure that we're going to keep our place a very very safe place in New York City...

Here's what Chief Brown said.

NYPD Body Worn Camera Video Footage Of Police Fatal Shooting Last August Of 21 Year Old Roosevelt Island Man Wielding A Knife In Lobby Of 540 Main Street Released Today By NY State Attorney General Letitia James

Reported last August 5: 

21 Year Old Roosevelt Island Male Wielding A Large Knife Fatally Shot By NYPD Officers In Lobby Of 540 Main Street Responding To 911 Distress Calls By Family Member - Investigation Ongoing

Today, NY State Attorney General Letitia James released body camera footage from the NYPD officers on the scene.

According to this press release from Attorney General James:

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released police body-worn camera footage that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of a civilian who died on August 5, 2023, following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on August 4, 2023 on Roosevelt Island. On the evening of August 4, NYPD officers responded to the lobby of a residential building on Roosevelt Island where an individual approached the officers with a knife. During the encounter, two officers fired their weapons. The individual was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office released videos from body-worn cameras worn by four NYPD officers during the incident. The release of the videos follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public in order to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.

The name of the decedent is being withheld at the request of the decedent's family.

Warning: The videos contain imagery that viewers may find disturbing.

Also from August 5 reporting:

... NYPD commanding officer of Patrol Borough Queens North, Assistant Chief Christine Bastedenbeck, said during a 2;20 AM press conference in front of Roosevelt Landings:

At approximately 11 30 PM officers from the 114th Precinct responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls at 540 Main Street regarding a male 21 years of age who was reportedly threatening a family member with a knife. The caller was a relative inside the location who also stated the armed male was off his medication and under the influence of marijuana.

The responding sector car consisted of two officers who are also backed up by two additional officers. The incident was captured on body worn camera and shows the four officers entering the lobby of the building.

Three officers then entered one of the two elevators while another officer propped the lobby door open to allow for additional responding officers to enter the building. All of a sudden the suspect emerged from the second elevator not occupied by our officers and moved quickly towards the officer securing the door swinging the knife directly at this officer. 

That officer retreated outside of the lobby and then the suspect then charged towards the elevator occupied by our officers still armed with the knife. The officers inside the elevator attempted to deploy a taser and also discharge their firearm striking the suspect.A large knife was recovered from the right hand of the suspect as seen here. 

Officers began rendering aid until EMS could transport the suspect to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased 28 minutes after midnight. Thankfully none of the officers or civilians in the area were injured during this incident. I also want to acknowledge the response of local peace officers from the Roosevelt Island Public Safety unit 

The investigation will be handled by our Force investigation Division and additional information will be provided by DCPI as it becomes available....

CBS New York reported at the time.

Watch Video Of Very Informative June 13 RIOC Public Safety Department Community Engagement Meeting With Roosevelt Island Residents - Topics Include Recent Crime Updates, Smoke Shop, Tram Lines, Illegal Parking, Marijuana Smoking, Bread & Butter Construction, Southpoint Park July 4 Closing And More

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) hosted a  community engagement meeting last night at the Good Shepherd Chapel.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for last night’s PSD Community Engagement meeting, we greatly appreciate the open and honest dialogue on the important island issues. Special thank you as well to Related and the NYPD 114th for participating in the meeting! pic.twitter.com/rjt81BFLaM

— Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (@RIOCny) June 14, 2023

RIOC PSD Chief Kevin Brown, Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso, Hudson Related's Ralph Yoakam, NYPD 114 precinct Lieutenant Dickson and about 35 Roosevelt Island residents attended the hour long meeting. 

Chief Brown began the meeting reviewing and updating recent Roosevelt Island crime incidents followed by Mr Yoakam who reported on 

1. the pending eviction proceedings against the Stationery/Smoke shop and 
2. the Bread & Butter Deli construction work being done at Island House without the landlord's approval.

Among the other Roosevelt Island public safety issues discussed were:

1. Roosevelt Island Tram Lines - how to make it easier for residents to get back and forth on the Tram when it is crowded with tourists. Use Metro Card to skip in front of line, said Chief Brown. Priority boarding for residents was also discussed but dismissed by Chief Brown using the F train analogy again.
   
2. Illegal Parking on Main Street - suggestions included issuing more tickets, towing illegally parked cars and issuing parking sticker permits for residents only.
   
3. Marijuana smoking on Main Street - Nothing can be done because Manhattan DA's office will not prosecute for smoking marijuana.
4. Security during Pride Month events.
5. Southpoint Park closing during July 4 Fireworks celebration due to NYPD security precautions.
   

Watch video of the full meeting.

PSD Chief Kevin Brown did an excellent job moderating the meeting and responding to concerns.

Yesterday, a Roosevelt Island Tipster reported:

This morning 11.30 on my way to the subway (I am resident of the island), I was attacked by a confused but aggressive man just in front of Starbucks. This man shout on me, kicked my cart and spit on me. People around did not move at all.

I called public safety as they were not there. Where are they? Why are they not staying in that location where all the neighborhood is passing by? At least they have to install cameras to monitor the aggressions.

I can’t believe this is happening here at Roosevelt Island. 

and sent an email to Chief Brown about the incident. 

Chief Brown replied:

I am extremely sorry for your incident today. The person who you spoke about was a male who was apprehended by the Roosevelt Island PSD officers. The male was evaluated by NYC EMS and was transported to NY Presbyterium hospital as an Emotionally Disturbed Person. Again, I am sorry for your incident but anytime you have any incident please call RIOC PSD we will always respond as quickly as possible.

The Tipster replied to Chief Brown:

Thank you very much for your quick course of action. Thankfully you are around. Is there any plan to improve the safety around the subway station as this episode is just one among others? Did you evaluate the potential of having video recordings or stationary PS agents?

I am not concern for myself but for our community, including the youngest and the oldest, who may not be able to handle the situation with someone who was trained to fight (as this man mentioned).

I will attend the meeting tonight.

This incident was mentioned during the Public Safety meeting last night. Chief Brown noted that the the emotionally disturbed person was apprehended by a Public Safety Officer 4 minutes after receiving a call about the matter. 

The Tipster noted:

The chief was very satisfied by the 4 minutes spent to arrest this man, I am more concerned by the absence of prevention of such unfortunate events.

Rash Of Recent Crime On Roosevelt Island Has Residents Worried, Assaults, Hate Crime, Weapons Possession & Arson - You're Invited To Meet NYPD 114 Neighborhood Coordination Officers At Cornell Tech 5 PM Friday June 2 To Discuss Public Safety Concerns - UPDATE, RESCHEDULED TO THURSDAY JUNE 8

UPDATE 6/2 12:15 PM - The NYPD 114 precinct informed me a few minutes ago that the Roosevelt Island Build The Block meeting is being rescheduled for 5 PM Thursday June 8 at Cornell Tech. 

Sorry for any inconvenience.

 In recent weeks on Roosevelt Island there's been an increase in criminal activity including:

• bloody stabbing inside the Bread & Butter Deli, 
• teenager stomped on and beat by a group of other teenagers,  
• hate crime assault arrest, 
• husband of a PS/IS 217 teacher assaulted outside the school with a knife, 
• man arrested with a loaded gun on Main Street,
• arson set in Roosevelt Landings AVAC garbage room 

and the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) reported on May 30:

On Saturday, May 27, 2023, at approximately 8:24 PM, the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department (PSD) responded to a report of a group of juveniles harassing adults to the rear of 500 Main Street at the Blackwell House Park basketball courts. PSD arrived on the scene at approximately 8:26 PM and spoke to a male victim who stated he was involved in a physical altercation with one of the juveniles following a verbal dispute. The victim sustained minor injuries and was able to identify the perpetrator, who fled the scene of the assault before PSD arrived. On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 9:38 AM the perpetrator was arrested by PSD without incident at 550 Main Street. The perpetrator will be processed as a juvenile.

Residents are asking "what's going on" with recent crimes on Roosevelt Island which has previously always been thought of as one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC.

You can discuss these incidents as well as any other Roosevelt Island Public Safety issue with NYPD 114 Precinct Neighborhood Coordination Officers Friday June 2 at Cornell Tech Bloomberg Center.

Hope to see you tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/wzwptwvdmL

— NYPD 114th Precinct (@NYPD114Pct) June 1, 2023

As reported May 4:

Sparks Fly At May 2 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Community Engagement Meeting - Residents Tell RIOC PSD And NYPD 114 Precinct About Assaults, School Bullying, Harassment & Fire Setting By A Group Of Teens

Here's video of the May 2 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department meeting which had been a typical Roosevelt Island meeting until :

... interrupted by Roosevelt Island father who stood up, said he loves Roosevelt Island and then reported his son had recently been "jumped, beat up, filmed and put on Instagram", and is "scared to death". ...

Stabbing Inside The Roosevelt Island Bread & Butter Deli Last Night - Male Victim Slashed In Arm, Thigh And Head, 3 Suspects Fled In Jeep, NYPD Investigating

NYC 911 reported last evening:

Queens | 579 Main St.
Confirmed knifepoint robbery. Three m/b suspects fled in a black Jeep.

— New York City 911 (@NYC_Alerts911) May 5, 2023

114 Precinct reporting this. Roosevelt Island

— Chris (@Chris__4198) May 5, 2023

In response to my inquiry this morning, a NYPD spokesperson reported:

On Thursday May 4 approximately 9:38 PM at 579 Main Street, a male victim was slashed with a knife on his right arm, right thigh and head. 3 Suspects fled in a jeep. A motive is not known at this time and the incident is currently under investigation.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced via a 10:50 AM Advisory and Twitter:

On Thursday May 4th at approximately 9:40PM a person was assaulted with a knife inside the deli located at 579 Main Street. NYPD and PSD responded quickly to the location where they found a victim who was stabbed multiple times. The victim was taken to Cornell Hospital in stable condition. Subjects were unidentified by the deli workers and fled the scene prior to NYPD/PSD arrival in a dark Jeep Grand Cherokee that was parked in front of the deli. At this time, PSD & NYPD reports indicate this was a targeted incident and not a random act of violence.

Last Tuesday, May 2, during a Roosevelt Island Public Safety Community Engagement meeting, NYPD 114 Precinct Commander Deputy Inspector Kenneth Gorman

and RIOC Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown

 

described Roosevelt Island as being a very safe neighborhood.  

More very interesting video from the meeting here

Additional details on the incident as they become available.

Vehicle Crashes Thru Roosevelt Island Seawall Plunging Into East River Near Cornell Tech Early This Morning - Watch Video From The Scene

According to a NYPD spokesperson, early this morning at about 2 AM a white van with 2 passengers, a 40 year old driver and 60 year old passenger crashed through the Roosevelt Island seawall at East Loop Road near Cornell Tech and plunged into the East River. The driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated and there were no injuries.

A Roosevelt Island Tipster shares these photos from the crash scene.

According to a Cornell Grad student who heard the crash and witnessed the aftermath, both passengers managed to swim back to Roosevelt Island.

Freedom News TV was on the scene and interviewed the Cornell Grad student named Phil and has more video from the crash site.

Video by Daniel Valls (http://FreedomNews.TV)

Asked for comment from Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC). Will update if they reply.

UPDATE 10/2 - More video of the incident. From LLN NYC.

Tipster Reports 7-10 NYPD Plain Clothes Officers/Detectives In Two Unmarked Cars Arrest Man Last Friday Night On Roosevelt Island Main Street - RIOC Says Man Charged With 8 Counts Of Drug Trafficking

A Roosevelt Island Tipster observed NYPD activity last Friday night, September 2, on Main Street in front of the Island House building.

Picture Was Taken Today,Not At Time Of Arrest

According to the Tipster:

Between 630-7pm. about 7-10 plain clothes officers or detectives wearing vests labeled NYPD pulled up quickly in at least 2 unmarked vehicles. Targeted one guy in front of Bread & Butter. Others near him didn't react, everyone complied easily. Took one guy into custody without incident. Whole thing was sudden but over in about 5 minutes. 

According to newly hired Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Assistant Vice President Of Communications Akeem Jamal: 

1 person charged with 8 counts of drug trafficking per NYPD.

No information about this incident available from the NYPD Press Office at this time.

Update On Report Of August 17 Roosevelt Island Sexual Assault - RIOC Public Safety Chief Says Claim Unfounded And Alleged Victim Has Recanted Story

Yesterday I published a story based upon information provided by the NYPD Press Office of a 21 year old woman being raped in the area between the back of the Motorgate garage and FDNY Station

on the Roosevelt Island waterfront promenade facing Queens. According to the NYPD spokesperson:

... a 21 year old woman was raped in that area at approximately 2:00 this morning. The NYPD spokesperson added that a "Good Samaritan" walking nearby spotted the woman lying on the ground asking for help. Her dress was pulled down. The woman was taken to Cornell Hospital. The investigation is ongoing. No additional information available at this time....

Today, at about 4:45 PM, Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown reports:

There has been some discussion within the community surrounding an alleged sexual assault that occurred on Roosevelt Island on or about August 17th. RIOC’s Public Safety Department and members of NYPD’s 114th Precinct conducted a thorough investigation into the matter and have determined that the claim was unfounded as there is no evidence that a crime has been committed; and the alleged victim has since recanted their story.

UPDATE 8/18 RIOC Public Safety Chief Says Claim Is Unfounded And Alleged Victim Recants ---------------- Shocking News, A 21 Year Old Woman Raped Overnight On Roosevelt Island Waterfront Promenade Near FDNY Station And Motorgate Garage

Earlier today a Roosevelt Islander Tipster reported yellow caution tape was blocking access to an area between the back of the Motorgate garage and FDNY Station on the waterfront promenade facing Queens and described it as a "crime scene".

I went to learn what happened and found NYPD officers

keeping people away from the blocked off area.

I was told " a major crime" was committed overnight in the area that was under investigation.

Later a NYPD spokesperson reported a 21 year old woman was raped in that area at approximately 2:00 this morning. 

The NYPD spokesperson added that a "Good Samaritan" walking nearby spotted the woman lying on the ground asking for help. Her dress was pulled down. The woman was taken to Cornell Hospital. The investigation is ongoing. No additional information available at this time.

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes and Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown for comment. 

Will update if RIOC provides any information.

Last evening, August 16, Chief Brown met with the Roosevelt island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee to discuss a variety of issues.

Chief Brown repeated what he often says that Roosevelt Island is one of the safest communities in NYC. According to Chief Brown, during July there were 5 felonies on Roosevelt Island, 3 assaults, 1 Grand Larceny and 1 burglary.

Here's the full RIRA Public Safety Committee meeting discussion.

UPDATE 8/18 4:45 PM - According to Roosevelt Island Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown: 

There has been some discussion within the community surrounding an alleged sexual assault that occurred on Roosevelt Island on or about August 17th. RIOC’s Public Safety Department and members of NYPD’s 114th Precinct conducted a thorough investigation into the matter and have determined that the claim was unfounded as there is no evidence that a crime has been committed; and the alleged victim has since recanted their story.

Roosevelt Island Man Among Suspects Indicted By Queens District Attorney As A Major Drug Trafficker Allegedly Packaging And Selling Heroin, Cocaine And Fentanyl From An Open Air Drug Market In Jamaica Queens - Also, Charged With Criminal Possession Of A Weapon

Early morning on July 13, at about 6 AM, a Roosevelt Island Tipster noticed:

NYPD folks in mostly black shirts & pants & bulletproof vests, some with guns & longer guns around and in 580 Main Street. Mostly unmarked SUVs and Sedans parked by crosswalk.

 The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Daily Blotter reported:

07/13/22 – 0604 – 580 Main Street – NYPD Activity – NYPD, PSD Responded – Report Filed

I contacted the NYPD several times this past week but they had no information available on the July 13 Roosevelt Island incident. 

Now we know what happened. 

According to a July 19 press release from Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, NYPD officers were executing search warrants in multiple locations including a Roosevelt Island apartment which:

... yielded four illegal firearms (including a MAC-11 submachine gun), more than five kilograms of heroin and cocaine, and cash....

Image From Queens DA Press Release

It is not clear what weapon was found in the Roosevelt Island apartment.

Yesterday, Queens District DA Melinda Katz announced a Queens Grand Jury indictment of 4 men, including a Roosevelt Island resident, charged with:

... conspiracy and criminal sale of a controlled substance for allegedly packaging and selling an assortment of narcotics to walk up customers- including heroin, cocaine and fentanyl- from an open-air drug market on a dead-end Jamaica street on multiple occasions between May 2021 and June 2022.... 

According to this July 19 press release from the Queens DA's Office, the Roosevelt Island resident was:

 ... charged in a 68-count grand jury indictment with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the first degree, criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree, criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree and conspiracy in the fourth degree. ... Additionally, the defendant was arraigned last Friday before Queens Criminal Court Judge Denise Johnson on a five-count criminal court complaint charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, operating as a major trafficker, conspiracy in the second degree, possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.... 

**Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Click here for the full Queens District Attorney press release for more information.