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.
- Man Wanted After Subway Rider Struck With Wooden Stick at East Tremont Avenue Station
BRONX, N.Y. — Police are searching for a suspect wanted in connection with an assault that left a 30-year-old man injured inside the East Tremont Avenue subway station earlier this month.
According to the NYPD, the attack occurred at approximately 2:50 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, on the mezzanine level of the East Tremont Avenue subway station within the confines of the 46th Precinct and Transit District 11.
Investigators said the victim was approached by an unidentified individual who displayed a wooden stick and struck him in the back of the head before fleeing the station on foot in an unknown direction.
Excerpt: Detectives are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect accused of striking a subway rider in the head with a wooden stick inside the East Tremont Avenue station in the Bronx.
Photo caption: NYPD Crime Stoppers released surveillance images of the suspect wanted in connection with the assault inside the East Tremont Avenue subway station.
Investigation ongoing
Police have not released a description of the victim’s injuries, and no arrests have been announced.
The NYPD continues to investigate the incident and is urging anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about the assault to come forward.
How to provide information
Anyone with information is asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish speakers.
Tips can also be submitted online at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or through the NYPD Crime Stoppers account on X, @NYPDTips.
Key Points
- A 30-year-old man was struck in the head with a wooden stick inside the East Tremont Avenue subway station.
- The suspect fled the scene on foot before officers arrived.
- NYPD Crime Stoppers is asking the public to help identify the suspect.
FAQ
Where did the assault occur?
On the mezzanine level of the East Tremont Avenue subway station in the Bronx.What weapon was used?
Police say the suspect displayed and used a wooden stick during the assault.How can I submit a tip?
Call 1-800-577-TIPS, submit information online at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or contact @NYPDTips on X.Source: NYPD Crime Stoppers.
- Elderly Man Robbed of Gold Chain by E-Bike Rider in Chelsea, NYPD Says
NEW YORK — The NYPD is asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect wanted in connection with a grand larceny after a 74-year-old man was robbed while sitting on a bench in Manhattan.
According to police, the theft occurred at approximately 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, outside 408 12th Avenue in the confines of the 10th Precinct. Investigators said the victim was approached by an unidentified individual riding an e-bike.
The suspect allegedly grabbed the victim’s chain from around his neck before fleeing southbound on 12th Avenue. Police did not immediately release a description of the suspect or estimate the value of the stolen chain.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests have been announced.
Excerpt: The NYPD is seeking the public’s help after an e-bike rider allegedly snatched a gold chain from a 74-year-old man sitting on a bench in Manhattan before fleeing the scene.
An NYPD surveillance image shows the suspect wanted in connection with the reported chain-snatching robbery of a 74-year-old man in Manhattan.
NYPD asks public for help
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish speakers.
Tips can also be submitted online at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or through the NYPD Crime Stoppers account on X, @NYPDTips.
Investigation remains active
Police have not announced any arrests, and the suspect remains at large as detectives continue investigating the incident.
Authorities encourage anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about the theft to come forward.
Key Points
- A 74-year-old man was robbed while sitting on a bench outside 408 12th Avenue.
- Police say the suspect stole the victim’s chain before fleeing on an e-bike.
- The NYPD is asking the public for help identifying the suspect.
FAQ
Where did the robbery occur?
Outside 408 12th Avenue in Manhattan’s 10th Precinct.What was stolen?
Police say the suspect snatched the victim’s chain from around his neck.How can I submit a tip?
Call 1-800-577-TIPS, submit information online at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or message @NYPDTips on X.Source: NYPD Crime Stoppers.
- NYC Launches $2.3 Million Effort to Remove Abandoned Boats from City Waterways
NEW YORK, N.Y. — New York City is launching a major cleanup initiative aimed at removing abandoned boats, deteriorating docks and other marine debris from local waterways after securing approximately $2.3 million in federal funding.
The program, led by NYC Parks, is expected to remove roughly 1 million pounds of debris from waterways in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx. Officials say abandoned vessels have become environmental hazards and navigation obstacles as they deteriorate in the water.
- NYC secured approximately $2.3 million in federal funding for the cleanup.
- Crews will target nearly 1 million pounds of abandoned boats and marine debris.
- The project focuses on waterways in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.
- More than 120 abandoned vessels have already been removed since 2024.
Cleanup targets abandoned vessels and large debris
Unlike traditional shoreline cleanups, the project focuses on large marine debris including abandoned boats, damaged docks, treated lumber, oversized foam blocks and other heavy materials that have accumulated in city waterways.
According to NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura, deteriorating vessels pose both navigational and environmental risks because they can leak oil and release microplastics into surrounding waterways.
One of the largest components of the initiative will focus on Westchester Creek in the Bronx and the College Point section of Queens. Funding secured through U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez includes more than $1 million to remove approximately 2,891 cubic yards of debris and 11 abandoned vessels, some measuring between 20 and 45 feet long.
City expands prevention efforts
Officials say the cleanup is only part of a broader effort to prevent boats from being abandoned in the future.
Earlier this year, NYC Parks expanded its Vessel Turn-In Program, allowing owners to voluntarily surrender unwanted boats for disposal. The city has also expanded 311 reporting so residents can notify officials about abandoned vessels and large marine debris requiring removal.
Since 2024, NYC Parks says it has already removed more than 120 abandoned boats from city waterways and shorelines through its vessel removal program.
FAQ
- What will crews remove?
Abandoned boats, damaged docks, treated lumber, foam blocks and other large marine debris. - Which areas are included?
Waterways in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx, including Westchester Creek and College Point. - How can abandoned boats be reported?
Residents can report abandoned vessels and large marine debris through NYC’s 311 system.
- Woman Slashed, Man Stabbed While Trying to Help in Bronx Assault, NYPD Says
BRONX, N.Y. — Detectives with the NYPD are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect wanted in connection with a violent assault that left two people injured early Sunday morning near West 183rd Street and Grand Avenue in the Bronx.
According to NYPD Crime Stoppers, the incident occurred at approximately 2:34 a.m. when a 36-year-old woman became involved in a verbal dispute with a group of unidentified individuals. Police said the confrontation quickly escalated into violence after a 37-year-old man attempted to intervene.
- A 36-year-old woman suffered a head laceration and arm slash during the assault.
- A 37-year-old man was stabbed and slashed multiple times after attempting to intervene.
- Police said the suspect fled the scene in a dark-colored SUV traveling eastbound on Evelyn Place.
Victims injured during attack
Investigators said one of the individuals struck the woman in the head with a blunt object, causing a laceration, before slashing her arm with what police described as an unknown sharp object.
Authorities said the same suspect then stabbed and slashed the 37-year-old man multiple times in the back after he stepped in during the altercation.
Police did not immediately release the conditions of either victim.
Suspect fled in dark SUV
According to investigators, the suspect fled the area in a dark-colored SUV that was last seen traveling eastbound on Evelyn Place.
The NYPD has released details of the incident as part of its Crime Stoppers program and is asking anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip by messaging @NYPDTips. All tips are kept confidential.
FAQ
- Where did the assault occur?
Near West 183rd Street and Grand Avenue in the Bronx. - When did it happen?
At approximately 2:34 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16. - How many victims were injured?
Two people—a 36-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man. - How did the suspect flee?
Police said the suspect left in a dark-colored SUV traveling eastbound on Evelyn Place. - How can the public provide information?
By calling 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or sending a direct message to @NYPDTips.
Sources: NYPD Crime Stoppers.
- NYC Study Finds Congestion Pricing Had Little Measurable Impact on Air Quality in First Year
NEW YORK — A comprehensive first-year evaluation by the New York City Health Department found that the city’s congestion pricing program had little measurable impact on air quality, despite reducing vehicle traffic entering Manhattan’s central business district.
The report concluded that air quality across New York City “remained stable or improved slightly” during the first year of congestion pricing, continuing a long-term trend of declining pollution rather than showing a statistically significant improvement directly attributable to the tolling program.
Researchers also found that environmental justice communities located near major highway corridors did not experience increased air pollution after congestion pricing took effect.
Health officials say no neighborhoods saw pollution increase
The Health Department expanded its Community Air Survey monitoring network and analyzed concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, and black carbon before and after tolling began.
Using data collected for one year before and one year after implementation, researchers adjusted for weather, seasonal variations, wildfire smoke, and other outside influences.
“This report gives us the clearest picture to date of how air quality has changed during the first year of congestion pricing, and we now know that air quality across New York City was not any different because of congestion pricing,” Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said.
The report also found that neighborhoods near highways including the Cross Bronx Expressway, Major Deegan Expressway, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Staten Island Expressway, FDR Drive, and Trans-Manhattan Expressway did not experience increased pollution attributable to the program.
Traffic declined while transit funding increased
Although the study found little direct effect on measured air pollution, officials pointed to other benefits from congestion pricing.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority reported that vehicle entries into Manhattan’s congestion zone declined by roughly 11 percent during the program’s first year, while revenue generated by the tolls has been directed toward transit improvements and environmental projects.
- New York City’s first-year study found congestion pricing did not produce statistically significant changes in citywide air quality.
- Researchers found no increase in pollution in environmental justice communities near major highways.
- Officials say traffic fell about 11 percent while congestion pricing continues funding transit and environmental improvements.
“Before we turned the cameras on, there was concern about the potential for increased pollution caused by drivers looking to avoid the toll,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said. “As this study confirms, that didn’t happen, and congestion pricing is already funding additional investments to further improve air quality.”
New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn said the reduction in traffic has encouraged more people to use public transportation, bicycle, or walk.
“Health’s findings, combined with the program’s investment of over $120 million into the city’s air quality and public health initiatives like NYC DOT’s Clean Trucks Program, mean that congestion pricing will help communities across the city breathe cleaner,” Flynn said.
Long-term air quality trend continues
The report notes that New York City’s air quality has steadily improved for nearly two decades, making it difficult to isolate any immediate changes caused solely by congestion pricing during its first year.
Officials said continued monitoring will determine whether longer-term environmental benefits emerge as the program matures.
The city also highlighted a separate $20 million MTA investment announced earlier this year to improve childhood asthma outcomes in the Bronx through expanded asthma treatment and case management programs.
FAQ
- Did congestion pricing improve air quality?
The city’s study found air quality remained stable or improved slightly, but changes were not statistically significant enough to attribute directly to congestion pricing. - Did any neighborhoods experience worse pollution?
No. Researchers found no increase in air pollution in environmental justice communities or neighborhoods near major highway corridors. - Did traffic decrease?
Yes. Officials said vehicle entries into Manhattan’s congestion zone declined by about 11 percent. - How was the study conducted?
Researchers analyzed one year of air quality data before tolling and one year afterward while accounting for weather, seasonal changes, and wildfire smoke. - Will the city continue monitoring the program?
Yes. Officials said air quality monitoring will continue to evaluate long-term effects.
Sources: New York City Health Department first-year Congestion Relief Zone Tolling Program air quality report; New York City Community Air Survey; Metropolitan Transportation Authority; New York City Department of Transportation.
