A recent exclusive ride-along with NWOOW News sheds light on a surge in migrant-related crime, following an incident where two NYPD officers were reportedly shot by a teenage migrant riding a stolen scooter.
NYPD Assistant Commissioner Kaz Daughtry sets the tone, acknowledging the challenges ahead: “It’s going to be one of those nights.” NWOOW News cameras capture the department’s Community Response Team (CRT) in action, patrolling Queens, a hotspot for criminal activity.
Chief of Patrol John Chell underscores the gravity of the situation, stating, “So, we have only been out for 10 minutes, and we already have a guy driving a stolen moped. That is how it starts. Then, he could commit a crime using that stolen moped.”
The CRT’s efforts yield alarming discoveries, including guns, drugs, and a repeat offender with 49 arrests. Daughtry emphasizes the concerning pattern of recidivism, stating, “This guy has been arrested 49 times and for grand theft auto several times. He is a car thief. Bring him in. Book him.”
Chell echoes Daughtry’s sentiments, questioning why individuals like this repeat offender are repeatedly released back into the community to commit further crimes.
Throughout the night, officers focus on targeting illegal mopeds and stolen scooters, removing dozens from the streets. Daughtry highlights a concerning trend, stating, “We are seeing a huge uptick in crimes committed on scooters.” This increase in criminal activity is attributed to armed migrant moped crews, who have been linked to numerous violent street robberies.
The crackdown on illegal vehicles intensifies as police and city leaders announce enhanced enforcement measures. Two bulldozers are enlisted to flatten rows of seized illegal mopeds and scooters, symbolizing the city’s commitment to tackling this issue.
According to NYPD statistics, there have been over 13,000 seizures of illegal vehicles this year alone, setting a record pace. Chell emphasizes the magnitude of the problem, stating, “Right now, we are at 13,000 seizures. We are on record pace for 30,000 and, over the past two years, 41,000. It is a quality-of-life issue and a crime issue.”
The stolen mopeds serve as a microcosm of the broader challenges linked to the ongoing migrant surge. Recent arrests of armed Venezuelan migrants allegedly involved in a moped gang responsible for over 100 robberies across New York City underscore the severity of the issue.
Daughtry emphasizes the impact of these arrests, stating, “We had … two Venezuelan migrants committing 112 chain snatches and robberies.”
In summary, the NWOOW News ride-along provides a firsthand glimpse into the escalating migrant-related crime plaguing New York City. From stolen scooters to violent robberies, law enforcement grapples with the challenges posed by armed migrant moped crews. As the crackdown intensifies, the city remains vigilant in its efforts to curb illegal activity and safeguard communities.
