I On Politics – Queens Gazette

CB3 CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: In Remem­brance of September 11, 2001, Queens Commu­nity Board 3 will hold a Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, September 20, in observance of the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001, bringing our community together to remember and honor the lives lost, the first responders who answered the call, the survivors, and all those forever impacted by the events of September 11. We invite commu­nity members, families, local leaders, and neigh­bors to join us for an evening of remembrance, reflection, and unity. Seating begins at 6:30 pm at Travers Park – 34th Ave, between 77th and 78th Streets, Jackson Heights. Please join us as we come together as a community to honor the mem­ory of those we lost and ensure that we never for­get. ALL ARE WELCOME

ADDABBO EVENTS FOR 9/11 AN­NIVERSARY:

Sen. Joseph Addabbo on the 25th anniversary of 9/11: “This Patriot Day, we pause to remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. As we mark the 25th anniversary of that somber day, we remember the victims, the heroes who an­swered the call, the families who endured unimag­inable loss, and the countless acts of courage and compassion that followed. May we always re­See member, never forget, and continue to embrace and honor the spirit of unity that emerged from tragedy.”

The annual Memorial Ceremony will take place on Friday, September 11, at 7:00 pm at the corner of 84th Street and 157th Avenue in Howard Beach (St. Helen’s parking lot). In case of rain, the event will take place across the street at Fr. Dooley Hall.

On Saturday, September 19, “Run For Richie” Motorcycle Parade, in memory of Richard Allen Pearlman, the youngest first responder lost on 9/11, will take place at the Aqueduct Racetrack parking lot, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in Ozone Park. Registration opens 8:00 am.

MAMDANI DECLARES 9/11 AN OFFI­CIAL “DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND SERVICE”:

Zohran Kwame Mamdani signed two Execu­tive Orders to honor the victims, first responders, survivors, City workers and families whose lives were forever changed by the tragedy while strengthening City government’s ability to protect New Yorkers and maintain essential services dur­ing emergencies.

“I am honored to establish the City’s first Day of Remembrance and Service on September 11th to remember those we lost on that horrific day and the first responders, families and City workers whose lives were irrevocably changed in the af­termath. Through this Executive Order, we are calling on New Yorkers to honor their memory through service and deep reflection,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “We must also recognize that remembrance carries a responsibility to strengthen our city, protect New Yorkers and ensure that gov­ernment is prepared to deliver for people no matter the circumstances. ‘Never Forget’ is not a slogan. It is a commitment that we must carry forward through action. And that is precisely what these two Executive Orders demonstrate.”

The first Executive Order establishes Septem­ber 11th as an official Citywide Day of Remem­brance and Service. It directs the administration to designate time that day for a moment of silence in honor of those who were killed in the attacks and those who suffered health consequences in the years since. City agencies are also encouraged to hold memorial ceremonies, educational program­ming and other activities to honor those lost, their families and the first responders who answered the call.

The Mayor’s Office will work with NYC Service to promote community service and volun­teer opportunities for New Yorkers and encourage City agencies to participate. While similar Days of Remembrance exist at the State and Federal lev­els, this is the first such action taken by a New York City mayor.

The second Executive Order strengthens and modernizes the City’s Continuity of Operations planning for the first time since 2007, helping en­sure that City government can continue delivering essential services and protecting New Yorkers dur­ing an emergency.

ASTORIA HOMEOWNERS ECONOMY NIGHT:

Astoria Homeowners, Tenants & Business Civic Association present Astoria Economy Night, tonight, Wednesday, September 9, at 7:00 pm at Pistilli Grand Manor, 45-02 Ditmars Blvd. in As­toria. Please enter on 45th Street side entrance, right before the parking garage. Scheduled guest speakers: Brendan Leavy, VP, Business Develop­ment, Queens Chamber of Commerce and a rep­resentative of the NYPD 114th Precinct to provide a security update.

QUEENS CIVIC CONGRESS PRES­ENTS A PUBLIC FORUM:

On Wednesday, September 23, Queens Civic Congress will host a community form and panel discussion on lithium battery energy storage sys­tems being sited in residential neighborhoods. Scheduled to be on the panel: Council Member Phil Wong and Senator Leroy Comrie, as well as affected residents and medical and environmental experts. The forum is open to all. Hillcrest Jewish Center, 183-02 Union Turnpike, Flushing. Doors open 7:00 pm. Program ends 8:30 pm.

EVENING UNDER THE SPHERE:

The Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park announced that its annual benefit, Evening Under the Sphere, will be held this fall in the park, under the world famous Unisphere on Tuesday, September 29th, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Building on a year of increased attention on Flushing Meadows Corona Park from community groups and elected officials, the event is the flag­ship opportunity for individuals and corporations to support the maintenance of Queens’ largest park. The evening will convene park enthusiasts and local leaders for a celebration and awards cer­emony. Evening Under the Sphere features enter­tainment, dancing and unlimited food and beverages from more than a dozen beloved Queens Night Market eateries. Tickets are on sale now.

A key highlight of the ceremony is the Claire Shulman Award for Public Service, created in memory of Former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman. This year, the fourth presentation of the award will go to Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

Richards has served as a steadfast champion for Queens’ flagship park, spearheading essential investments to combat chronic disinvestment across its nearly 900 acres. Earlier this year, he launched the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Task Force to bring together public agencies, com­munity leaders, and major private partners around key infrastructure priorities. In addition to leading this collaborative effort, Borough President Richards allocated $17.5 million in capital funding from his office toward a complete reconstruction of the historic Playground for All Children, ensur­ing the country’s first playground designed for children of all abilities remains fully accessible.

At Evening Under the Sphere, the Alliance for FMCP will also honor Michelle Stoddart, Senior Vice President of Community Development at Re­sorts World with the Freedom of the Human Spirit Award for her robust commitment to the borough of Queens.

Resorts World is receiving the award in recog­nition of its longtime support for Flushing Mead­ows Corona Park and the Queens community. In particular, Resorts World was a major early sup­porter of the Alliance’s workforce development program, the Conservation Corps, which has kick­started careers in environmental stewardship and horticulture for dozens of young New Yorkers.

Information about the Alliance’s programming and supporters can be found at allianceforfmcp.org/programs.

ADDABBO DISTRIBUTES BACK­PACKS FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR:

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo proudly co-spon­sored and supported 11 back-to-school events across the district, helping provide more than 400 backpacks, along with pencil cases and notebooks, to local students.

Through partnerships with River Fund, Kol Yisroel, Macerich and Madison Square Garden, an additional 213 backpacks, 100 pencil cases and 100 notebooks were secured to help local children begin the school year prepared for success. These collaborations brought the grand total to 613 back­packs given away.

“Helping students begin the school year pre­pared to learn is a priority for me,” Addabbo said. “I’m grateful for the support of our community partners, who helped make these backpack distri­butions possible so children can have the supplies they need. Strong education is the cornerstone of our community’s future, and every child should have the opportunity to succeed.”

Senator Addabbo thanks the following 2026 distribution partners, among them being: Wood­haven BID, Living Word Ministries, Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Observation Patrol, Ozone Park Kiwanis, Full Gospel Queens, Kingdom Builders Ministries, UNITY Family Enrichment Center, and Grace Ministries Back to School.

BROOKS-POWERS DELIVERS $568,000 FOR FDNY AND EMS UP­GRADES:

Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers yesterday joined FDNY officials and union leaders in Southeast Queens to present $568,000 in Fiscal Year 2027 discretionary funding for critical up­grades supporting emergency medical personnel and firefighters serving the 31st Council District.

“When someone in Southeast Queens calls 911, our emergency personnel are the people who answer that call and run toward danger when oth­ers are running away,” said Council Member Sel­vena N. Brooks-Powers. “These investments are about making sure our first responders have the tools and facilities they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. Our first responders protect this community every day, and I will continue fighting to ensure the City provides the resources they need and deserve.”

EMS Station 54, located at 222-15 Merrick Boulevard, received $418,000 to fund a new com­mand vehicle that will allow an EMS officer to ar­rive at emergency scenes equipped with the tools and technology needed to coordinate response op­erations. The investment will strengthen the sta­tion’s ability to serve residents throughout Southeast Queens.

Engine Company 311/Ladder Company 158, located at 145-50 Springfield Boulevard, received $150,000 to fund a dedicated gear shed for fire­fighters’ protective equipment. Keeping contami­nated gear outside living quarters will help reduce firefighters’ exposure to potentially harmful con­taminants while providing secure storage for the equipment they rely on.

RICHARDS ALLOCATES FUNDS FOR TSINY:

Transitional Services for New York, Inc. (TSINY) announced that Queens Borough Presi­dent Donovan Richards Jr. has made a discre­tionary capital allocation of $1,000,000 for Fiscal Year 2027 to support renovations at TSINY sup­portive housing facilities in Queens.

The capital investment will help TSINY im­prove the quality, safety, and long-term condition of five supportive housing residences in Jamaica and Queens Village. These TSINY-owned proper­ties house nearly 200 residents recovering from severe mental illnesses. The renovations will ad­dress safety issues, enhance energy efficiency, and upgrade building infrastructure.

“We are deeply grateful to Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. for this generous investment in supportive housing,” said Dr. Larry S. Grubler, CEO of TSINY. “President Richards has consistently championed our mission of help­ing people with mental illnesses to achieve greater levels of independence, and dignified housing with onsite support services is a cornerstone of that mis­sion.”

President Richards explained that TSINY’s al­location came amid numerous applications for support from many reputable organizations.

“With New York City in the midst of a gener­ational housing crisis, ensuring our most vulnera­ble neighbors have access to safe, supportive housing has never been more critical,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. “TSINY has been a steadfast partner in providing exactly that kind of stable housing, and I am proud to be investing in that partnership to the tune of $1 million in funding. Together, we can ensure New Yorkers in need have dignified homes to call their own.”

TSINY’s five supportive housing residences contain 191 units that are home to 198 residents. The residents receive treatment and other rehabil­itative services that aid in their recovery and reen­gagement with society. Renovations at all properties have already begun and are planned for completion by summer 2027.

NEW FUNDING FOR FLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK:

Assemblyman Sam Berger (D-Queens), in partnership with the Queens Delegation, secured $990,000 in funding for Flushing Meadows Co­rona Park, delivering critical investment to one of Queens’ most beloved and heavily used public spaces.

For decades, Flushing Meadows Corona Park has served as a shared gathering place for Queens residents, hosting families, community events, recreational activities, and visitors from across the city and around the world. Despite its significance and popularity, the park has faced years of under­investment and a need for greater resources to maintain and improve its facilities. This funding will help address those needs by supporting im­provements that preserve the park’s infrastructure, enhance public spaces, and ensure residents have access to a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained environment for recreation and community en­gagement.

“Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a corner­stone of our borough, bringing together families, neighbors, and visitors from across Queens,” said Assemblyman Sam Berger. “Despite being one of our most beloved public spaces, the park has not always received the level of investment it de­serves. I was proud to work with the Queens Del­egation to secure this funding and will continue to advocate for the resources needed to preserve and improve this vital community asset.”

“Flushing Meadows Corona Park is an impor­tant part of our community,” said Assembly­woman Nily Rozic. This funding will help ensure that families have a safe and welcoming place to gather, play and enjoy the outdoors. I am proud to work with the Queens Delegation to bring these resources to our park and invest in the commu­nity.”

“This is exactly the type of investment we se­cure when the Queens coalition bands together to deliver for the borough – a tangible outcome that our constituents are going to see and enjoy on a day-to-day basis,” said Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi. “I was really proud to stand alongside this effort and to now watch it come into fruition. This just further underscores the leadership Assembly­member Berger has brought into his district, and I very much look forward to working with Sam and our other colleagues as we approach next year.”

“This year we successfully secured significant funding to support our Queens community, and I am proud to be part of the delegation that delivered for our neighbors,” said Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz. “Specifically, I want to thank Assemblyman Sam Berger for securing $990k on behalf of the Queens Delegation for infrastructure upgrades at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Flushing Mead­ows Park is a Queens staple and has long been the heartbeat of Corona, drawing visitors from across the city and around the world to its festivals, food, recreational activities, and cultural communities. Yet, despite everything the park offers, it has lacked the investments needed to thrive. This funding will enhance the park’s infrastructure and public spaces, allowing all New Yorkers to enjoy all it has to offer. I look forward to continuing the work with the Queens Delegation to secure invest­ments like this one, and ensure Flushing Meadows Corona Park remains a place our community can utilize for generations to come.”

“Flushing Meadows Corona Park is Queens’ backyard, and for thousands of families in Assem­bly District 35, it is part of everyday life: a place where our children grow up playing, our seniors stay active, our neighbors gather, and our many cultures come together and celebrate,” said As­semblywoman Larinda Hooks. “But a park that gives this much to Queens cannot continue to be asked to do more with less. This $990,000 invest­ment is about making sure the infrastructure be­neath this incredible public space is as strong as the communities that fill it every day. Our families deserve a park that is safe, cared for, and built to serve the next generation, and I am proud to stand with the Queens Delegation in bringing these re­sources home.”

As one of the largest and most visited parks in New York City, Flushing Meadows Corona Park plays a vital role in the quality of life of Queens residents. The investment reflects the Queens Del­egation’s continued commitment to strengthening public spaces, addressing community needs, and ensuring that residents across the borough benefit from the resources they deserve.

MAMDANI ANNOUNCES AI MORATO­RIUM IN SCHOOLS:

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels today an­nounced a moratorium on student-facing gener­ative Artificial Intelligence (AI) use in schools, alongside a new screen time policy, a decision that will impact nearly 600,000 public school students, or two-thirds of the system’s total enrollment. The policy establishes a one-year moratorium, effec­tive in the 2026-2027 school year, on student-facing generative AI for children in 2-K through 8th grade. It also introduces twice-yearly AI crit­ical thinking modules for high schoolers, limited AI pilots for a small number of high school class­rooms and age-appropriate screen time restric­tions.

“Children need teachers and human connec­tion in order to learn and grow. They need to de­velop skills alongside their peers, build relationships with educators and wrestle with tough problems on their own,” said Mayor Mam­dani. “The tech industry wants us to believe that A.I.-powered early education is not only in­evitable, but necessary. We do not see it that way. That’s why we’re implementing a moratorium on generative AI for students in 2-K through 8th grade and spending the next year studying the im­pacts of this technology.”

Representing the most expansive student-fac­ing AI moratorium in the nation, the new policy eliminates AI use for students in grades 2-K through 8th grade. This includes all software that uses student-facing generative AI. Companion chatbots will be prohibited across all grades.

Throughout the 2026-27 school year, a new Technology in Schools Coalition, made up of stu­dents, educators, parent leaders, elected officials, advocates, union partners and experts in the field will convene to assess the impact of the mora­torium and limited pilots. The coalition will pub­lish a report with recommendations for future school years.

For a maximum of 50,000 high school stu­dents in general education classes, or approxi­mately 5% of the public-school student body, five limited AI pilots will be introduced. All high school students will also have access to twice-yearly AI literacy classes designed to help them think critically about AI before they begin to rely on it.

The two 45-minute modules will introduce students to what AI is and is not, as well as AI-re­lated bias, risks, ethical considerations and impacts on careers and future skills.

The limited pilots will be offered at a maxi­mum of five classes per high school. All use will take place under the direct supervision of a trained educator and will involve carefully vetted AI tools. The pilots were selected based on rigorous safety and data privacy standards, their focus on teacher-guided instruction and their commitment to keep­ing students as the primary thinker in the classroom.

GILLIBRAND WAGE THEFT A FELONY:

Ahead of Labor Day, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced the Don’t Stand for Taking Employed Americans’ Livings (Don’t STEAL) Act, which would make large-scale wage theft a felony nationwide. Representative Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02) and 28 cosponsors have in­troduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Working Americans deserve to take home every penny that they have earned, and employers who cheat their employees out of hard-earned wages must be held accountable,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Ahead of Labor Day, I am proud to announce this bill to bring the punishment for wage theft in line with other forms of criminal theft. This is commonsense legislation to help pro­tect workers, and I am determined to get it passed.”

Wage theft takes many forms, including em­ployers refusing to pay promised wages, paying subminimum wages, failing to pay for all hours worked, or not paying overtime premiums. Every year, over $15 billion is stolen from workers by their employers. In 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor recovered more than $259 million in back wages and damages owed to 176,957 workers, representing just a fraction of wage theft that oc­curred that year. This kind of wage theft impacts workers across industries and of all income levels, but it has a more profound impact on low-wage workers, who can least afford to bear the cost of lost earnings.

The Don’t STEAL Act would help protect workers by strengthening penalties for wage theft, bringing them in line with other forms of criminal theft under federal law. Under this legislation, em­ployers who willfully fail to pay wages, deny over­time, or steal tips will face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of the violation. Currently, wage theft is treated at most as a mis­demeanor.

The Don’t STEAL Act also brings penalties for wage theft in line with other common forms of theft under federal law. Today, employers who commit willful wage theft can be fined no more than $10,000. This bill eliminates that cap and re­quires fines to be proportional to the amount of wages stolen.

This legislation is endorsed by 15 organiza­tions, including AFL-CIO and several other labor unions. Senator Gillibrand plans to formally intro­duce the Don’t STEAL Act when the Senate re­turns to session later this month.

REVOLVING VOICES:

On Monday, August 31, the Public Housing Community Fund (PHCF), New York City Hous­ing Authority (NYCHA), The Urban Conga, resi­dent artist Tamra Cosby, and residents unveiled “Revolving Voices,” an octagonal art installation located at the waterfront stage of NYCHA’s Asto­ria Houses in Queens. The project is part of PHCF’s From Roots to Arts: Celebrating NYCHA’s Cultural Heritage program, a first-of-its-kind artist-in-residency pilot program that sup­ports five artists at locations in each borough.

The installation features a series of custom-fabricated octagonal, megaphone-like forms that follow the curve of the performance space, de­creasing in size. Each piece serves as a space for people to engage and interact, with stories and memories from the Astoria Houses cut into the metal. The poems cut out within each interactive sculpture came to be through spoken word work­shops led by Ms. Cosby, who is a resident at As­toria Houses. The perforated images on the outside of the sculpture depict the people, talents, and ex­periences that make up the Astoria Houses com­munity. Through the rotation of each unit, users can transform the work to create their own space. Together, they create areas for gathering and re­flection, connecting past and present voices. The installation represents a new typology of commu­nity art within the public housing landscape, demonstrating how a next generation of public art can be interactive, resident-driven, and integrated into everyday community space.

ADDABBO HOSTS SHREDDING EVENT:

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. joined his col­league in government Senator Roxanne J. Persaud in hosting a shredding event at the St. Helen’s Church parking lot in Howard Beach on August 29, 2026.

Residents lined up to shred their old personal documents in a safe, responsible way that protects them from potential identity theft and repurposes old paper. Some 4,260 pounds of paper was shred­ded during the two-hour event. Residents showed up with bags, boxes, shopping carts and milk crates full of paper. Some constituents looked through the truck’s interior camera window to view the paper being pulverized into confetti.

“I’m grateful for the overwhelming support of our community in prioritizing safety and environ­mental responsibility through this shredding event,” Senator Addabbo said. “A special thank you to Senator Persaud for co-sponsoring this im­pactful initiative, and St. Helen’s Church for gen­erously providing their space. Together, we’re making a difference—protecting our families and our environment.”

“I’m proud to join my colleague in bringing this shredding event to the community,” Senator Persaud said. “It’s a simple way to protect per­sonal information and support a cleaner, greener environment.”

*** CRIME BLOTTER ***

BROOKLYN MAN INDICTED FOR AS­SAULT:

Victim Ran into Fenced-In Area on Grounds of Jewish Day School for Safety; Defendant Shaleek Brunson Allegedly Assaulted Child and School Employee; Faces up to 14 Years in Prison, if Convicted

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz an­nounced that Shaleek Brunson was indicted on charges of assault, criminal possession of a weapon and other crimes for wielding a hammer and chasing a woman onto the grounds of the Jewish Institute of Queens in Rego Park. While there, Brunson ran into the school yard where children were playing and pushed an 8-year-old boy into a fence and later bit an employee inside the school.

District Attorney Katz said “As alleged, this defendant caused chaos at a summer camp when he chased a woman onto school grounds and ran into a yard where children were playing while wielding a hammer. He then shoved an 8-year-old into a metal gate causing a large cut to the boy’s head. Instead of leaving the property, the defen­dant entered a school building where he was re­strained by staffers and bit one of them in the process. A grand jury has now indicted him for as­sault and other crimes, and the defendant faces up to 14 years in prison if convicted. We wish the vic­tims well as they continue to recover.”

Brunson, 42, of Brooklyn, was arraigned yes­terday on an 11-count indictment charging him with five counts of assault in the second degree, one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, two counts of assault in the third degree, menacing in the second degree, endanger­ing the welfare of a child and criminal trespass in the third degree. Supreme Court Justice Germaine Auguste ordered him to return to court on October 7. If convicted, Brunson faces up to 14 years in prison.

DA Katz said that, according to the charges, at approximately 11 a.m. on July 28, Brunson ap­proached a woman who was walking with two other people near the Queens Center Mall on Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst and chased them while wielding a hammer. At the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and the Long Island Ex­pressway, the woman ran across Woodhaven Boulevard in traffic to try to escape from Brunson. The defendant continued to chase the woman who sought refuge in a fenced-in area of the Jewish In­stitute on Woodhaven Boulevard. He followed her onto the school property and pulled on the locked front doors of the building.

Brunson then went to the school yard where numerous children were playing while still hold­ing the hammer. A camp counselor attempted to get Brunson to leave and was assisted by a good Samaritan who had witnessed the chase. The camp counselor removed the hammer from Brun­son’s hand. Brunson ran toward the metal gate of the school yard as he pushed children out of the way. When he got to the gate, he pushed an 8-year-old boy who was standing there into the metal gate causing the child’s head to strike it. The boy sustained a large laceration to his forehead. Brunson then ran into the school where several staffers restrained him. He bit one of them on the hand. The boy was taken to a local hospital where he received six stitches to his head. The employee was also treated at a hospital for sustained redness and substantial pain from the bite to his hand.

Police recovered the hammer from the scene of the incident.

FORMER NYPD OFFICER INDICTED ON CONSPIRACY, ASSAULT:

Defendant Failed to Stop and Render Aid to Victim: Faces up to 7 Years in Prison, if Convicted

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz an­nounced today that Jatinderpal Singh was indicted on conspiracy, assault, tampering with physical ev­idence and other charges for a March 2026 hit-and-run collision that nearly killed a 22-year-old woman who was crossing the street. The defen­dant, an off-duty NYPD officer at the time, al­legedly fled the scene without rendering aid to the victim and then attempted to cover it up by order­ing his friends, who were passengers in the car, to lie to the police.

District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, this defendant was sworn to uphold the law and instead showed complete disregard for the rules of the road as he sped through the streets of Queens and struck a pedestrian. He then fled the scene, failed to help the victim and attempted to cover up his alleged actions. There are serious consequences for endangering the lives of pedestrians and my office wishes the victim the very best as she con­tinues to recover from this traumatic incident.”

Singh, 26, of Valley Stream, was arraigned today on a 14-count indictment charging him with assault in the second degree, reckless endanger­ment in the first degree, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, leaving the scene of an in­cident without reporting, conspiracy in the fifth de­gree, official misconduct, obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, reckless driving, operating a vehicle at unreason­able speed, driving in excess of the maximum speed limit, failing to stop at a steady red signal, failure to exercise due care and failing to stop at a sign. Supreme Court Justice Peter Vallone ordered the defendant to return to court on September 24. If convicted, Singh faces up to seven years in prison.

District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, on March 14, 2026, at approximately 2:03 a.m., Singh, was driving a friend’s black Cadillac Escalade at a high rate of speed in the vicinity of Rockaway Boulevard and 122nd Place in South Ozone Park when he struck a 22-year-old woman, as she crossed the street. Singh fled the scene without rendering aid to the woman.

The following day, Singh directed one of the passengers in the car at the time of the collision to have the car repaired in Centereach, Long Island. Photos taken at the repair shop, and later obtained from the vehicle’s owner, show damage to the front body and the front headlight of the vehicle. Singh never reported the incident to his command or to any other NYPD official, which is standard protocol, but instead instructed a passenger at the time of the incident to delete any photos and videos from his phone showing the defendant driving the vehicle on March 14. Additionally, Singh instructed the passengers to lie to the police and to refuse to cooperate with the investigation.

The victim, who was unconscious after the in­cident, was rushed to a local hospital. She suffered severe trauma to her head and torso, her spleen was removed and metal rods were placed in her legs.

Singh resigned from the NYPD in May.

BRONX MOTORIST CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE ASSAULT:

Defendant Sped Past 26 Red Lights, 14 Stop Signs Before Hitting E-bike Rider; Victim Suffered Traumatic Brain Injury; Defendant Faces More Than 25 Years in Prison at Sentencing

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz an­nounced that a jury convicted Harold Vega of first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest and other charges for a July 2024 hit-and-run collision that left a 39-year-old father gravely injured. Vega, evincing a depraved indifference to human life, recklessly led police on a high-speed chase through Astoria past dozens of traffic signals as he drove onto sidewalks and hurtled past inter­sections crowded with motorists before he struck the cyclist. He then continued without stopping until he rammed into a parked car. Vega was fi­nally arrested after he attempted to run from the scene on foot.

District Attorney Katz said: “This defendant led police on a high-speed chase. He defied in­structions by the police to pull over for more than 10 minutes all while blowing through traffic sig­nals and stop signs. He maneuvered against traffic and onto sidewalks on a very busy afternoon in a residential neighborhood. He hit a cyclist who was obeying the rules of the road and left his victim in perilous condition, with severe head trauma that still affects his health and future to this day. A jury has now convicted him of first-degree assault and other serious charges and he is facing more than 25 years in prison.”

Vega, 48, of the Bronx, was convicted Friday by a jury of assault in the first degree; reckless en­dangerment in the first degree; assault in the sec­ond degree; unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the second degree; leaving the scene of an accident without reporting; resisting arrest; criminal possession of a controlled sub­stance in the seventh degree; reckless driving; ag­gravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree; operating a motor vehicle or permitting it to be operated in this state without having in full force financial security; operating or driving a motor vehicle without a license; operat­ing or driving an unregistered motor vehicle; and driving without proper license plates.

Trial openings took place on August 24 and closing arguments on August 27. The jury delib­erated for one day before convicting Vega. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Hartofilis ordered Vega to appear for sentencing on September 16 when he faces a cumulative sentence in excess of 25 years in prison.

DA Katz said, according to the charges and trial testimony, on July 3, 2024, at approximately 4:33 p.m., Vega was driving a gray 2003 Nissan Altima near the intersection of 36th Avenue and 21st Street in Astoria. A police officer in an un­marked patrol car noticed the car’s license plate was obscured with a tinted cover. Further investi­gation revealed the obscured plate belonged to a different car and the police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop after activating lights and sirens on his vehicle. Vega briefly paused as if he was stopping then made a U-turn in violation of the nearby traffic light and sped away from the of­ficer.

Vega continued to drive, accelerating at a heightened speed through 25 additional steady red lights and 14 stop signs. He also drove against the flow of traffic, disregarded double yellow lines, wove in and out of traffic and drove on the side­walk, endangering multiple pedestrians. After going through a red light at 31st Avenue and Cres­cent Street, Vega struck Arturo Aguirre Matias, as the victim rode his electric bicycle with pedals across Crescent Street. Matias was inside the des­ignated bike lane, traveling with the flow of traffic and had a green traffic signal in his favor. The force of the impact knocked Matias into the air be­fore he landed causing severe head trauma. After colliding with the victim, Vega did not stop and continued until he hit a parked car with sufficient force to deploy his car’s airbags. Vega then got out of the car and fled on foot.

Vega was confronted by good Samaritans, who thwarted his run near 24th Drive and 23rd Street where police caught up to him. During his arrest, police discovered a glassine envelope con­taining a quantity of cocaine in Vega’s pants pocket and determined his driver’s license was suspended. Vega had been previously convicted of unlicensed vehicle operation within 18 months of the incident. The vehicle he was driving was un­registered and uninsured.

Matias needed extensive hospital care for head trauma and requires extended, ongoing medical treatment for head trauma including a permanent and severe speech impairment and debilitating seizures.

QUEENS RESIDENT SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS IN PRISON:

Defendant took a Citi Bike to Church and Fired Four Times at Victim as He Walked Toward Services

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz an­nounced that Joseph Gilbert Stevens was sen­tenced today to 24 years in prison for fatally shooting 49-year-old Richard Carter outside of a funeral in April. Stevens pleaded guilty to manslaughter in July for the fatal shooting.

District Attorney Katz said: “The defendant acted without consideration or respect for an entire community when he brazenly fired a gun outside a funeral and killed Richard Carter. Joseph Gilbert Stevens shot Carter at point-blank range and, after the victim collapsed onto the street behind the hearse, the defendant stood over the victim’s body and continued to shoot him. We hope today’s sen­tence provides a measure of comfort to the vic­tim’s friends and family.”

Stevens, 34, of Jamaica, pleaded guilty in July to manslaughter in the first degree. Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant sen­tenced the defendant today to 24 years in prison to be followed by five years of post-release supervi­sion.

DA Katz said, according to the charges, on April 10, 2026, at approximately 2:12 p.m., Stevens rode a Citi Bike to the intersection of Mer­rick Boulevard and Sayres Avenue in Jamaica to attend a funeral at Shekinah Youth Chapel, which is part of Greater Allen AME Cathedral. Stevens entered the service, approached the casket and then left the chapel. Five minutes later, the defen­dant encountered 49-year-old Richard Carter of Valley Stream. As the victim was walking toward the chapel on Sayres Avenue, Stevens ran toward him and shot him four times. The defendant then fled. Carter was taken to a local hospital where he died due to his gunshot injuries. Stevens was ap­prehended the following day.

—With contributions by Augusta Luger
This column was originated by John A. Toscano.