The Recent Lower East Side Crime Wave
A localized crime wave has seemingly accompanied the arrival of warmer weather here on the Lower East Side. Indeed, the last few months have been replete with violence and nightlife busts, keeping the Seventh Precinct fairly busy. Whether or not the storied “bad old days” have returned, the atmosphere in the neighborhood of late seems on the edge.
This image has been archived or removed.
Herewith, a listicle chronicling some criminal activity which transpired within the last three months. June is especially heavy on the drama:
- April 10: Sara Coit was murdered inside her apartment at 63 Clinton Street at the hand of live-in boyfriend Raul Barrera.
- May 10: a 50-year-old man was fatally stabbed in the torso at the Stanton House halfway house at 190 Stanton.
- May 12: a knife-wielding mugger robbed five victims during a four-day period in May. The perpetrator targeted young women across the Lower East Side.
- June 14: Pilgrim vintage boutique at 75 Orchard Street was robbed. The owner was pushed through the glass while resisting, and reportedly required 80 stitches.
- June 20: a 23-year-old Brooklyn man named Jonathan Alston was shot in the head outside 85 Pitt Street just after midnight. He did not survive.
- June 23: 155 Suffolk Street was burglarized in the early morning hours, and police chased in pursuit.
- June 24: a suicidal twenty-something nearly jumped from the roof of 1 Essex Street. Cops were able to grab her before the plunge.
- June 28: Felicia Cruz was found murdered inside her boyfriend’s apartment at 101 Stanton Street. The perp wrapped the dead body in a plastic sheet. Cruz was missing for days before being found.
- June 29: Police shut down the album release party of Smif & Wessun just after midnight. A riot ensued, and many patrons were beaten on the street. Many say that the hip hop crew has a reputation for inciting violence at their gigs.
Recent Stories
Chinatown Garment Industry Hanging by a Thread
Once a hub of manufacturing for the city’s garment industry, there are only a few remaining factories in Chinatown from a peak in the hundreds. The localized industry, which once employed thousands of immigrant women and men, sparked an area restaurant boom in the 1970s. Yet, began to decline in the late 1980s when manufacturers started […]
Residents Unite Against Developer Plans to Swap Park for Parking on LES Waterfront
Residents on the Lower East Side waterfront may soon lose more publicly accessible outdoor space. The developer of a new super-tall plans to reduce a children’s playground to a parking lot. As excavation work commences on Chetrit Group’s 70-story, twin-towered development at 265 South Street, tenants in the adjacent building – Lands End II – […]
Chinatown Homeless Murder Suspect Still Awaiting Trial
More than two years since the horrific murder of four homeless men in Chinatown, the suspect has yet to be held accountable for the crimes. In the early morning hours of October 5, 2019 Randy Santos stalked, then allegedly bludgeoned to death Cheun Kwok, Anthony Manson, Florencio Moran and Nazario Vasqez-Villegas while asleep on the streets. In […]
Excavation Begins for 70-Story South Street Towers
Cranes, and plywood, and pile-drivers, oh my! Such is the story down on the Lower East Side waterfront. Department of Buildings on April 12 issued official approval to the Chetrit Group to begin foundation activities for its dual 70-story tower at 265 South. A month later, the big trucks are mobilized. While excavation is now […]
For 7th Year Running, Greek Jewish Festival Returns to Broome Street this Weekend
After a more subdued outing last year, the Greek Jewish Festival this spring is on the rebound, pulling out the stops. It returns on Sunday for another go-round. Founded by Kehila Kedosha Janina on Broome Street seven years ago, the event celebrates the culture and traditions of the Greek Jewish community. Years past saw crowds […]
