Crime · New York, NY
A Fresh Meadows man already in custody for a fatal car crash has been indicted on two hate crime charges for allegedly vandalizing a kosher bagel store. Dawood Faisal, 22, is accused of knocking over plant stands and throwing dirt at Israeli flags outside Bagels & Co. on Union Turnpike in May. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated the alleged acts targeted the business because it is Jewish-owned. Faisal remains detained on separate manslaughter charges related to a May 26 collision that killed a pedestrian.
Crime · New York, NY
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, a multi-agency task force including Homeland Security Investigations and the NYPD conducted raids on adult day care centers in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens. The operation is part of an ongoing investigation into suspected Medicaid fraud, with Governor Kathy Hochul confirming the crackdown targets illegal activities such as money laundering and improper billing. Agents were observed removing materials from a facility in Flushing, while officials emphasized that the investigation is not immigration-related.
Transportation · New York, NY
City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Transportation Chair Shaun Abreu (D-Manhattan) released a video Tuesday promoting Intro. 986, which would require the NYPD and DOT to test dynamometer devices for measuring speed, power, and torque of electric micromobility devices on NYC streets. The bill, part of over two dozen measures addressing e-bike and e-scooter regulation, would make New York the first U.S. city to use such devices for enforcement. Current legal limits are 25 mph top assisted speed and 750 watts, with a city-wide 15 mph riding limit in effect since last year. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Michael Gerber questioned operational logistics at a hearing last month, while the bill's vote is expected in coming months.
