Prosecutors say rival gang violence fueled a series of shootings that wounded a pedestrian and a robbery victim in Queens.
QUEENS, N.Y. — Five alleged gang members have been indicted in connection with a series of shootings and other violent crimes that prosecutors say terrorized the Arverne and Edgemere neighborhoods of the Rockaways during March and April.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictments Tuesday, alleging the defendants were involved in multiple shootings, an armed robbery and an ongoing conspiracy tied to rival gangs battling for territory.
According to prosecutors, four defendants are alleged members of the Ocean Village Jets (OVJ), while another is an alleged member of the rival 70G Apes gang.
Authorities allege the violence began on March 9, when 21-year-old Taquan Collins and a 17-year-old co-defendant allegedly fired at a man walking along the Rockaway Freeway near Arverne Boulevard. Prosecutors said the intended target was not struck.
The following evening, prosecutors allege two other defendants, ages 16 and 17, fired multiple rounds near Beach 67th Street and Beach Channel Drive in Arverne. Investigators recovered 20 shell casings, and a pedestrian was struck in the foot.
On March 11, prosecutors allege a 17-year-old defendant affiliated with the 70G Apes chased four people into a parking lot near Beach 59th Street and fired multiple shots from a scooter. No injuries were reported.
The investigation also alleges that on April 1, Collins, a 17-year-old co-defendant and a 16-year-old co-defendant confronted a man inside a stairwell at the Arverne View housing complex, demanded money and shot him once in the upper chest.
The victim underwent surgery after suffering a collapsed lung, prosecutors said.
Collins is charged with conspiracy, attempted murder, assault, robbery and weapons offenses. The remaining defendants face various charges including conspiracy, attempted murder, assault, robbery, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon.
If convicted, several of the defendants face up to 25 years in prison.
The investigation was conducted by the Queens District Attorney’s Office Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau in partnership with the NYPD’s Gun Violence Suppression Division and officers assigned to the 100th and 101st precincts.
The charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Five alleged gang members were indicted in connection with multiple shootings and other violent crimes in the Rockaways.
- Prosecutors allege rival gang members were responsible for shootings that wounded a pedestrian and another victim.
- Several defendants face attempted murder, robbery and weapons charges carrying potential sentences of up to 25 years in prison.