QUEENS, NY – Councilwoman Vickie Paladino is calling for a stronger police response after a violent late-night street takeover in the quiet Malba neighborhood left a security guard injured and a vehicle on fire.
The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. Sunday when what Paladino described as “a large group of individuals from outside my district” gathered on a residential street.
According to the councilwoman, a private security guard tried to defuse the situation but was assaulted and beaten by the crowd, and his car was later set ablaze. A resident was also attacked during the incident.
Key Points
- Malba street takeover left private security guard injured and car set on fire
- Councilwoman Vickie Paladino condemned NYPD response as “unacceptable”
- Paladino calls for increased patrols, tougher penalties, and armed self-defense rights
Councilwoman demands stronger police presence
In a statement posted to X, Paladino said residents who called 911 were told the issue was a “quality of life” matter better suited for the 311 system — a response she called “unacceptable.”
She announced that four dedicated patrol cars will now be assigned to the area and that “additional security upgrades” are being implemented.
Paladino linked the rise in such incidents to what she described as a lack of criminal accountability citywide, writing, “These violent street takeovers should be met with maximum force by the police department. We stopped arresting criminals — that’s what changed.”
The councilwoman also warned that residents are losing patience. “I know for a fact there were multiple armed residents who exercised extreme restraint last night,” she wrote. “However, that level of restraint is not guaranteed.”
Paladino encouraged constituents interested in applying for firearm carry or premises permits to contact her office for help with applications and legal costs, calling it part of residents’ “constitutional right to self protection.”
Police officials have not yet released details about arrests, suspects, or the status of the injured security guard, but Paladino said she plans to meet with the NYPD’s chief of department and local precinct commanders to review the response.
