police

Queens Plaza subway attacker convicted of brutal hammer assault on commuter

Queens Plaza Subway Attacker Convicted of Robbery and Assault

**Queens, NY** – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the conviction of William Blount for robbery in the first degree, assault in the first degree, and other charges. Blount attacked a woman with a hammer as she entered the Queens Plaza subway station in Long Island City in 2022, stealing her tote bag.

Blount, 60, whose last known address was in Manhattan, was convicted of assault, robbery, and weapon possession. He was acquitted of attempted murder charges following a six-week trial that began on February 24, presided over by Supreme Court Justice John Zoll. Sentencing is set for May 7, with a possible sentence of up to 25 years to life in prison.

During the February 2022 incident, Blount attacked a 58-year-old woman, causing her multiple skull fractures. The victim received medical attention, including a bilateral craniectomy, and suffered a broken finger among other injuries.

Investigation led to Blount’s arrest and the recovery of a hammer and the victim’s belongings at a residence in Long Island City. Video surveillance tracked Blount’s movements, and DNA evidence linked him to the crime. The case

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Brooklyn Launches Gun Buyback Event

Brooklyn Launches Gun Buyback Event

**Brooklyn, NY** – Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, in collaboration with New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, has announced a Gun Buyback event. The event is scheduled for Saturday at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Bedford-Stuyvesant, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants turning in operable handguns and assault rifles will receive a $500 bank card. The initiative aims to continue the progress Brooklyn made in reducing gun violence last year, with more than 500 firearms having been surrendered in previous buyback events.

NYPD Commissioner Tisch confirmed that shootings have decreased by 23 percent this year, highlighting the efficacy of such programs in removing over 1,300 illegal firearms from the streets. Pastor Lawrence E. Aker III of Cornerstone Baptist Church expressed the church’s commitment to working with local authorities to enhance community safety.

The buyback accepts various types of firearms, with different compensation amounts based on the type of weapon surrendered. All transactions will remain anonymous, with no identification required, and law enforcement officers and licensed gun dealers are excluded from participation.

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South Amboy Man Pleads Guilty in Fatal Hit and Run Case

South Amboy Man Pleads Guilty in Fatal Hit and Run Case

**Toms River, NJ** – Mark Carey, Jr., 21, of South Amboy, pleaded guilty on Thursday to leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death. The plea occurred before the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., in connection to a hit-and-run incident on January 13 in Brick Township.

On January 13, at approximately 9:15 a.m., Brick Township Police responded to a hit-and-run at Route 35 South and Bay Avenue. The victim, Julia Sutton, 56, of Weehawken, was struck and later died at Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center.

Investigations by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and other agencies identified the vehicle as a 1999 Ford Explorer registered to Carey. Authorities took Carey into custody at his South Amboy home, processed him at the Brick Township Police Headquarters, and released him under New Jersey Bail Reform.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer credited the efforts of various law enforcement agencies in handling the case. The state will seek a six-year prison sentence for Carey on June 13.

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Two men indicted in 2010 cold case killing at Toms River apartment complex

Two Lakewood Men Indicted for 2010 Toms River Murder

**TOMS RIVER, NJ** – On April 2, Maurice Cole, 36, and Jerron Evans, 41, both residents of Lakewood, were indicted by a Grand Jury in Ocean County for the murder of Rondell Proctor. The incident took place on May 27, 2010, in Toms River.

On the day of the crime, just after midnight, police officers from the Toms River Township Police Department arrived at the Winteringham Village Apartments on Route 166 in response to a reported shooting. Rondell Proctor, a 22-year-old from Arkansas, was discovered with gunshot wounds to his torso and face. He was taken to Community Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The initial investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit alongside the Toms River Township Police Department went unsolved for years. However, advancements in evidence testing led to the indictment of Cole and Evans.

On December 3, Cole and Evans were apprehended without incident by detectives from multiple law enforcement agencies. They have been held at the Ocean County Jail since their arrest. Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer expressed

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Utica Police Seize Drugs and Firearms in Oneida Square

Utica Police Seize Drugs and Firearms in Oneida Square

**Utica, NY** – On Tuesday, the Utica Police Department Special Investigations Unit conducted a search related to cocaine distribution in the Oneida Square area. The operation, supported by UPD Patrol and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, occurred on April 1st, 2025, at 1316 ½ Oneida Street.

The search resulted in significant findings, including 180.7 grams of cocaine, a loaded 9mm handgun with an extended magazine, digital scales, packaging materials, and $2,100 in assorted U.S. currency. These discoveries led to various charges against the suspect.

Donald Williams, 44, of Utica, was the investigation’s primary target. He faces charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance in both the second and third degrees, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree due to a prior conviction and the extended magazine.

Additionally, Williams was charged with criminal possession of a firearm and two counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree. The investigation is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to combat

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Three Indicted for 2019 Stabbing Death of 17-Year-Old in Queens

Three Indicted for 2019 Stabbing Death of 17-Year-Old in Queens

**Queens, NY** – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the indictment of Tianna Benjamin, Charles Gillespie, and Kyra Tyrell by a grand jury in connection with the murder of 17-year-old Talasia Cuffie in November 2019. The charges include murder, weapon possession, and conspiracy. Cuffie was attacked following a memorial basketball game for another victim, Aamir Griffin, unrelated to her death. The attack was driven by a mistaken belief that Cuffie was pregnant with Gillespie’s child.

According to the DA’s statements, Cuffie was persuaded to visit a residential block by the defendants and then stabbed in the abdomen and groin. She was left severely injured on the sidewalk and later died in the hospital. The Queens District Attorney’s Office emphasized its dedication to seeking justice for Cuffie and her family.

The individuals charged are Benjamin, aged 29, from Jamaica; Gillespie, aged 24, from Jamaica; and Tyrell, aged 22, from Brooklyn. They face charges of murder in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon, and conspiracy. Benjamin and Tyrell

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Ohio man indicted 25 years after Charles Ballard found shot and burned in home

Brian Swanson Charged with 2000 Murder of Charles Ballard

**Columbus, OH -** Brian Swanson, 48, has been indicted for the murder of Charles “Chico” Ballard, which occurred 25 years ago. On February 9, 2000, Ballard’s body was discovered in his home on the 300 block of E. 17th Ave.

Officers responding to the scene found that Ballard, then aged 22, had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and his body had been set on fire. It took until last Friday for Swanson to be arrested in connection with the crime.

Swanson’s arrest marks a significant development in the prolonged investigation into Ballard’s death.

Details about the case are discussed in the podcast, The Fifth Floor, which can be found on all major podcast platforms.

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Wall Township police issue warning after spike in resisting arrest cases

Wall Township Police Alert Community on Resisting Arrest Incidents

**Wall Township, NJ** – The Wall Township Police Department released a statement on Wednesday addressing a surge in resisting arrest incidents. Officials point out that resisting arrest not only constitutes a criminal offense, but also endangers both those arrested and officers.

The department reported six cases of resisting arrest over the weekend. Chief of Police Sean O’Halloran emphasized the potential dangers, noting that officers are trained in de-escalation techniques, but active resistance may necessitate the use of force, potentially leading to injuries.

Resisting arrest can manifest as physical or verbal actions, including struggling, fighting, fleeing, making threats, or refusing legal commands. The department stressed that resisting does not prevent arrest and could heighten risks for those involved.

Chief O’Halloran urged cooperation with law enforcement as key to safe outcomes, underscoring the department’s commitment to professionalism and respect. Residents with concerns or questions are encouraged to contact the department at 732-449-4500.

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Stolen purse leads to showdown outside Utica convenience store

Suspect Charged in Utica Purse Theft

**Utica, NY** – On March 16th, Utica Police responded to a report of a stolen purse on the 1100 block of Schuyler St. The purse contained credit cards and other personal items.

During the investigation, authorities discovered the suspect attempted to use the victim’s identification at a convenience store to buy cigarettes. The store clerk did not complete the sale because the photo ID did not match the suspect.

This information was relayed to the victim, who informed the police. The Criminal Investigations Division took over, identifying the suspect. Later, the victim saw the suspect again near the store and retrieved some stolen property following an altercation.

On April 2nd, the suspect, Fonta Young, age 41, was apprehended and faces charges. These include two counts of Grand Larceny in the fourth degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, and Petit Larceny.

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8-year-old hit by car in Chesapeake as driver charged with DUI

Chesapeake Police Arrest Motorist in Juvenile Pedestrian Accident

**Chesapeake, VA** – On April 2, at approximately 7:34 p.m., Chesapeake Police responded to an incident involving a motor vehicle accident and a juvenile pedestrian at Bainbridge Blvd. and Holly Ave.

Upon arrival, officers found a vehicle and an 8-year-old male pedestrian involved in the accident. The child was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The vehicle’s driver, 60-year-old Randolph Bias of Chesapeake, was arrested on charges related to driving under the influence. Additional details about the charges are available through a provided link.

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