QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the arraignment of Dante Hunter and Shamel Capers following their indictment in connection with the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Joshua Taylor in Middle Village on July 23, 2023. Hunter is charged with murder, and Capers with attempted murder, among other charges.
The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of July 23 last year, began when a friend of Taylor’s threw a drink towards Capers and a friend outside a convenience store, sparking a verbal dispute that escalated into a shootout. Hunter, who joined Capers, is alleged to have fired the round that killed Taylor. The exchange of gunfire resulted in more than two dozen 9 mm shell casings recovered at the scene.
Hunter, 25, of Far Rockaway, faces charges including second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Capers, 24, of Brooklyn, faces charges of attempted murder and weapon possession. Both defendants could face up to 25 years to life if convicted of their respective top charges.
The investigation was spearheaded by Detective Christopher Gerardi of the NYPD’s 104th Precinct Detective Squad and Detective Lizabeth Klein of the Queens North Homicide Squad. Capers was arrested on May 16 in New Jersey and has been extradited to New York to face charges, while Hunter was already in custody on a parole warrant at the time of the indictment. Justice Michael Aloise has scheduled their next court appearance for June 18.
- FDNY crews pull victim from Queensboro Bridge anchorage in confined space rescue
FDNY crews navigate bridge interior to reach trapped victim
NEW YORK, NY – Firefighters entered a bridge anchorage space roughly 50 feet from its entrance on the Queensboro Bridge and brought a trapped individual to safety during a confined space rescue operation late Monday night.
The rescue unfolded at approximately 8:50 p.m. when members of Rescue Company 1, along with other FDNY units and officers from the New York City Police Department, responded to the bridge linking Manhattan and Queens. The victim was located about 50 feet inside one of the bridge’s anchorages, a restricted structural area not open to the public.
Fire crews used rope rescue systems and coordinated communication to reach the individual inside the confined structure. The operation required members to maneuver within a limited-access environment while maintaining safety protocols designed for high-risk rescues.
Officials said the victim was successfully removed from the anchorage and brought out of the structure without reported complications during the extraction. The condition of the individual was not immediately released.
The response involved specialized equipment and training associated with confined space and technical rescue incidents. Such operations require coordination between multiple units and partner agencies due to structural constraints and potential hazards within bridge infrastructure.
The Queensboro Bridge, also known as the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, is one of the city’s major East River crossings and includes internal anchorage chambers that support its suspension system. Access to these areas is typically restricted to authorized personnel.
The incident remains under review, and no additional details were provided regarding how the individual entered the anchorage.
Key Points
- FDNY Rescue Company 1 responded to a confined space rescue on the Queensboro Bridge Monday night
- The victim was located approximately 50 feet inside a bridge anchorage
- Firefighters used rope rescue equipment to remove the individual safely
- Bronx worker ambushed and robbed of takeout order
Robbery reported after food worker attacked and delivery stolen in the Bronx
Bronx, NY – A food worker was assaulted Monday night when two unidentified individuals stole an order of Chinese food valued at approximately $94 in front of an East 160th Street address, according to police.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Feb. 9 near 320 East 160 Street in the 42nd Precinct. The 22-year-old victim was approached by two individuals who forcibly removed the food order. Police said one suspect punched the worker in the face while the second suspect simulated having a firearm.
Both individuals fled the location in an unknown direction. No additional information on the suspects has been released.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/4207626159478316The NYPD is asking anyone with information to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish, or submit tips online through the Crime Stoppers website or X @NYPDTips.
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Key Points- Food worker robbed of $94 worth of food near East 160 Street
- Suspects punched victim and simulated a firearm
- Police seeking public assistance for information
- DHS shutdown leaves TSA at Newark Airport working without pay as tensions rise
NEWARK, NJ – As New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill deals with New Jersey Transit delays statewide, a new travel nightmare is taking shape under the leadership of state Democrats in Congress.
A lapse in Department of Homeland Security funding has forced thousands of Transportation Security Administration officers at Newark Liberty International Airport and other major hubs across New York and New Jersey to work without pay, sparking mounting frustration among employees and travelers.
The shutdown, being pushed by Democrats in New Jersey is leading to delays and inconveniences for travelers. Worse, it means those workers at Newark Airport are working without pay until the shut down is complete.
Scenes from Newark airport show closed boarding gates and long lines.
Two men charged in fatal shooting in middle village - photo authorized for use by and/or licensed by shore news network As of mid-February 2026, the partial shutdown has created ripple effects across key airports including Newark (EWR), JFK, and LaGuardia. Flights continue to operate, but passengers are already seeing the early signs of strain—longer security lines, limited staffing, and sporadic delays.
Federal officials confirmed that roughly 95% of TSA agents remain on duty as “essential employees,” meaning they are legally required to report to work even though paychecks have stopped. Some staff have begun picking up second jobs to make ends meet, echoing the struggles seen during the 2019 federal shutdown.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has warned that extended funding lapses could lead to “severe operating challenges,” particularly at high-volume airports such as Newark. Travelers may face slower security screening, increased wait times, and possible terminal congestion if absentee rates climb.
Political blame game erupts as workers feel the pinch
The funding lapse, described by officials as a DHS-specific shutdown, has ignited political controversy. Mike Crispi, chairman of America First NJ, sharply criticized Governor Mikie Sherrill, writing on X, “Newark airport is a massive transit hub for millions of local residents. The Democrat shutdown of DHS, which is purely performative as it doesn’t even impact ICE, is causing massive sections of our airport to be shut down. Sherrill supports this.”
Meanwhile, TSA leadership has urged patience, assuring employees that pay will be restored retroactively once funding resumes. The FAA, which operates under the Department of Transportation, remains funded, ensuring that air traffic controllers continue to receive paychecks—preventing the kind of large-scale flight cancellations that crippled airports in past shutdowns.
- Around 95% of TSA agents are working without pay
- Travelers at Newark Airport and other hubs face longer lines
- FAA operations remain funded, limiting major flight disruptions
Still, aviation analysts warn that morale among unpaid federal security staff could deteriorate quickly, particularly if the shutdown drags into March.
Past shutdowns offer warning signs
During the 2019 federal government shutdown, hundreds of TSA officers at Newark called out sick, leading to checkpoint closures and hours-long delays. Officials fear a similar pattern could repeat if workers’ financial stress grows.
Passengers are being advised to arrive early for all flights departing from New York and New Jersey airports until the situation is resolved.
Related topics: TSA | Newark Airport | Department of Homeland Security
- Thieves punch delivery man, steal $94 in Bronx Chinese food delivery heist
BRONX, NY – Two suspects are on the run after assaulting a food delivery worker and stealing nearly $100 worth of Chinese food late Monday night outside a Bronx apartment building, police said.
Two men charged in fatal shooting in middle village - photo authorized for use by and/or licensed by shore news network The robbery happened around 10 p.m. in front of 320 East 160th Street, within the NYPD’s 42nd Precinct. According to investigators, the 22-year-old delivery worker was approached by two unidentified men who attacked him and made off with the order. One of the suspects punched the victim in the face while the second pretended to have a gun tucked beneath his clothing.
The pair then fled in an unknown direction, leaving the victim shaken but not seriously injured. The total value of the stolen food was about $94, police said.
NYPD seeks public’s help to catch suspects
Detectives from the NYPD Crime Stoppers unit are asking anyone with information to come forward. Tipsters can call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit anonymous tips in Spanish by calling 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Online tips are accepted at the official Crime Stoppers website or through social media platform X.
- Two suspects assaulted a 22-year-old delivery worker
- About $94 worth of Chinese food was stolen
- Police are urging the public to share information anonymously
Authorities say the incident highlights the risks faced by food delivery workers, who often carry cash and food orders late at night in high-traffic neighborhoods.
Delivery worker targeted in violent street robbery
Police are reviewing nearby surveillance footage and canvassing local businesses for leads. As of Tuesday, no arrests have been made and the investigation remains active.
Related topics: Bronx | Robbery | Chinese food
- Queens lottery player scores big in lottery drawing
TAKE 5 top prize ticket sold in Ridgewood worth 19298
Queens, NY – A single TAKE 5 top-prize ticket worth $19,298.50 was sold in Ridgewood for the Friday midday drawing, according to the New York Lottery.
The winning ticket was purchased at Forest Liquors House, located at 66-22 Forest Ave in Ridgewood. The retailer sold one top-prize ticket for the Feb. 13 TAKE 5 MIDDAY drawing.
TAKE 5 numbers are drawn from a field of one through 39. Drawings are televised twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Winners of any Lottery draw game prize have up to one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.
The New York Lottery reported it remains North America’s largest and most profitable lottery. During fiscal year 2024-2025, the Lottery contributed $3.6 billion to support public schools across New York State.
New Yorkers seeking help for problem gambling, or those concerned about someone else, can visit NYProblemGamblingHelp.org, call the confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369), or text HOPENY to 467369. Standard text rates may apply.
Key Points
- One top-prize TAKE 5 ticket worth $19,298.50 sold in Ridgewood
- Winning ticket purchased at Forest Liquors House on Forest Avenue
- Lottery prizes must be claimed within one year of drawing