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.
- Three TAKE 5 winners pop up across New York City
Bronx supermarket sells two top-prize winners
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Three top-prize-winning TAKE 5 tickets were sold across New York City for the Aug. 6 Midday drawing, with two of the winning tickets purchased at the same Bronx supermarket.
According to the New York Lottery, two winning tickets worth $6,245.50 each were sold at Key Food Supermarket, located at 1535 Unionport Road in the Bronx.
A third top-prize-winning ticket worth $6,245.50 was sold at Orlando News, located at 1364 York Ave. in Manhattan.
TAKE 5 numbers are drawn from a field of one through 39, with drawings held twice daily at approximately 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
New York Lottery draw game prizes may be claimed for up to one year from the drawing date.
Key Points
- Three top-prize TAKE 5 tickets were sold in New York City.
- Two winning tickets were purchased at Key Food Supermarket in the Bronx.
- Another winning ticket was sold at Orlando News in Manhattan.
- NYPD Seeks Suspect After Woman Robbed on Bronx Subway Platform
BRONX, N.Y. – The New York City Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect wanted in connection with a daytime robbery at a Bronx subway station.
According to investigators, the incident occurred at approximately 11:45 a.m. Wednesday on the northbound D train platform at the 170 Street subway station.
Police said a 61-year-old woman was standing on the platform when an unidentified individual forcibly grabbed her purse.
Suspect allegedly stole cash before fleeing
According to the NYPD, the suspect removed $20 from the purse before throwing the bag onto the subway tracks.
After taking the cash, the suspect fled the station on foot in an unknown direction. Police did not report any injuries to the victim.
The NYPD released surveillance images of the suspect and is asking anyone who recognizes the individual to come forward.
The photographs show the suspect wearing a dark cropped shirt with white trim and lettering across the front, dark pants, and light-colored Crocs-style shoes. The individual also appears to have their hair tied in a bun and was carrying a red beverage can in one of the surveillance images.
Robberies remain a priority for transit investigators because even incidents involving relatively small amounts of cash can leave victims shaken and create concerns about safety on the subway system. The NYPD routinely uses station surveillance cameras and public tips to identify suspects in transit crimes.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish-speaking callers can call 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips may also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers website or by messaging @NYPDTips on X. Police said all tips will remain confidential.
Sources
- New York City Police Department
- NYPD Crime Stoppers
- NYPD Crime Stoppers Facebook
FAQ
- When did the robbery happen?
Police said the incident occurred at approximately 11:45 a.m. Wednesday. - Where did it happen?
On the northbound D train platform at the 170 Street subway station in the Bronx. - How much money was stolen?
Police said the suspect took $20 from the victim’s purse. - Was the purse recovered?
According to investigators, the suspect threw the purse onto the subway tracks after taking the cash. - How can I provide information?
Contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS, submit a tip online, or message @NYPDTips on X.
Key Points
- NYPD is searching for a suspect accused of robbing a 61-year-old woman on a Bronx subway platform.
- Police say the suspect stole $20 from the victim’s purse before throwing the purse onto the tracks.
- Detectives released surveillance images and are asking the public to help identify the suspect.
- NYPD Searches for Suspect Accused of Punching 79-Year-Old Man in Brooklyn Assault
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The New York City Police Department is searching for a suspect wanted in connection with an unprovoked assault on an elderly man in Brooklyn.
According to investigators, the attack occurred at approximately 9:56 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, in front of a building at 1039 Utica Avenue.
Police said a 79-year-old man was standing outside the location when an unidentified individual approached him and suddenly punched him on the right side of the head.
The victim suffered pain as a result of the assault, according to the NYPD. The suspect fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction before officers arrived.
Detectives seek public’s help identifying suspect
The NYPD has not released a motive for the attack, and investigators have not indicated whether the victim and suspect knew one another.
The department is asking anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about the incident to come forward.
The assault is one of a number of cases in which the NYPD has sought public assistance to identify suspects accused of attacking older adults. Police continue encouraging witnesses and anyone with surveillance video to report information that could assist investigators.
Anyone with information is asked to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish-speaking callers can call 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers website or by messaging @NYPDTips on X. Police said all tips will be kept confidential.
Sources
- New York City Police Department
- NYPD Crime Stoppers
- NYPD Crimestoppers Facebook
FAQ
- When did the assault happen?
Police said the incident occurred at approximately 9:56 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1. - Where did it happen?
In front of 1039 Utica Avenue in Brooklyn. - How old was the victim?
The victim is 79 years old, according to police. - Was the suspect arrested?
No. The suspect remains unidentified, and the investigation is ongoing. - How can I provide information?
Call NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS, submit a tip online, or contact @NYPDTips on X.
Key Points
- NYPD is searching for a suspect accused of assaulting a 79-year-old man on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn.
- Police said the victim was punched in the head before the suspect fled on foot.
- Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers.
- New York State Police Hunt Armed Homicide Suspect in Orange County, Warn Public Not to Approach
GREENVILLE, N.Y. – The New York State Police are asking for the public’s help locating a man wanted in connection with a homicide that occurred Thursday in Orange County.
Investigators identified the suspect as Thomas David Ryan, 32, who is being sought in connection with a homicide on Greenville Turnpike in the Town of Greenville.
Police said Ryan is believed to be driving a 2016 gray Toyota Prius bearing New York license plate HNH-7671. He was last seen in the area of Greenville Turnpike wearing black sweatpants and a black T-shirt.
Police warn suspect is armed and dangerous
State police are urging the public not to approach Ryan if he is seen.
“Anyone coming in contact with Ryan is advised to use caution,” the agency said in its public alert.
Investigators also warned that Ryan is believed to be armed and dangerous.
The circumstances surrounding the homicide have not yet been released, and investigators have not identified the victim or disclosed additional details about the case.
The investigation remains active as members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation work to locate Ryan.
For residents in northern New Jersey, the search is particularly relevant because Orange County borders New Jersey, and major highways, including Interstate 84, Interstate 87, and Route 17, provide direct access between the Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey. Police have not indicated Ryan is believed to be in New Jersey, but the proximity of the investigation underscores the importance of remaining alert and reporting any confirmed sightings to law enforcement.
Anyone who sees Ryan is urged to call 911 immediately or contact the New York State Police Middletown Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 845-344-5300. Authorities are asking the public not to confront or attempt to detain him.
Sources
- New York State Police
- New York State Police Troop F
- New York State Police Facebook
FAQ
- Who is police searching for?
Thomas David Ryan, 32. - Why is he wanted?
New York State Police say he is wanted in connection with a homicide that occurred Aug. 6 in Greenville, Orange County. - What vehicle is he believed to be driving?
A 2016 gray Toyota Prius with New York license plate HNH-7671. - Is he considered dangerous?
Yes. Police say Ryan is believed to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached. - What should I do if I see him?
Call 911 immediately or contact the New York State Police Middletown BCI at 845-344-5300.
Key Points
- New York State Police are searching for Thomas David Ryan in connection with a homicide in Orange County.
- Investigators say Ryan is believed to be armed and dangerous and may be driving a gray 2016 Toyota Prius.
- Anyone who sees Ryan should call 911 immediately and avoid approaching him.
- NYPD Seeks Suspect in Hate Crime Assault on R Train Near Times Square Station
NEW YORK, N.Y. – The New York City Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect wanted in connection with an alleged hate crime assault aboard a subway train in Manhattan.
According to investigators, the incident occurred at approximately 4:52 p.m. on Monday, July 27, aboard a northbound R train as it approached the 42 Street-Times Square subway station.
Police said a 21-year-old man was approached by an unidentified individual who began talking with him before making anti-Asian remarks during the encounter.
When the train arrived at the station, investigators said the suspect allegedly pushed the victim to the platform, causing his eyeglasses to break. The suspect then allegedly punched and kicked the victim, leaving him with a laceration to the face.
NYPD investigating incident as hate crime
The NYPD is investigating the assault as a hate crime based on the reported anti-Asian statements made before the attack.
Authorities have not released a description of the suspect but are asking anyone with information to come forward as detectives continue their investigation.
Police have not announced any arrests, and the suspect remained at large as of Thursday.
Crime Stoppers seeking public assistance
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish-speaking callers can contact 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
Tips can also be submitted online through the NYPD Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or on X through @NYPDTips. Police said all calls and tips are kept confidential.
Why It Matters
New York law provides enhanced criminal penalties for offenses that investigators determine were motivated, in whole or in substantial part, by bias against a protected group. Hate crime investigations seek to determine whether bias played a role in the commission of the alleged offense.
The incident also highlights ongoing concerns about violence and bias-motivated crimes within the city’s transit system, which serves millions of riders each week.
Local Impact
The alleged assault occurred at one of the busiest transit hubs in the country, where thousands of commuters and visitors pass through Times Square every day. The NYPD is encouraging subway riders to promptly report suspicious behavior, threats, or bias-related incidents to police.
What Happens Next
Detectives are working to identify and locate the suspect. Anyone with information, surveillance footage, or other evidence related to the incident is encouraged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers.
As with all criminal investigations, any suspect identified and charged is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sources
- New York City Police Department
- NYPD Crime Stoppers
FAQ
- When did the assault occur?
Police said it happened at approximately 4:52 p.m. on Monday, July 27. - Where did it happen?
Aboard a northbound R train approaching the 42 Street-Times Square subway station in Manhattan. - Why is the case being investigated as a hate crime?
According to the NYPD, the suspect allegedly made anti-Asian remarks before the assault. - Was the victim injured?
Yes. Police said the victim’s glasses were broken, and he suffered a laceration to the face. - How can the public provide information?
Anyone with information can contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS, submit a tip online, or message @NYPDTips on X.
Key Points
- NYPD is searching for a suspect wanted in an alleged hate crime assault aboard an R train near Times Square.
- Police said the suspect made anti-Asian remarks before pushing, punching, and kicking a 21-year-old victim.
- Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers.
