D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment Of Man For Two Shootings In Tompkins Square Park

 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced the indictment of WALDEMAR ALVERIO, 38, for committing two shootings in Tompkins Square Park within five days, seriously injuring two people. ALVERIO is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with three counts of An Attempt to Commit the Crime of Murder in the Second Degree, two counts of Assault in the First Degree, one count of An Attempt to Commit the Crime of Assault in the First Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. [1] 

“As alleged, Waldemar Alverio shot two people in Tompkins Square Park last month and put numerous lives in danger. Our parks should be a place where New Yorkers and tourists can relax without fearing for their safety,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Combatting gun violence remains my top priority and my Office will hold those who commit these serious acts of violence accountable. I hope the victims continue to heal from their wounds.” 

According to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on March 16, 2024, in Tompkins Square Park at approximately 12:45 p.m., two men allegedly chased, punched, and kicked ALVERIO before running away. As they ran off, ALVERIO unzipped his bag and pulled out a firearm, firing at them five times. 

ALVERIO struck one of them in the buttocks, fracturing his pelvis and lodging a bullet in his hip. ALVERIO also shot a bystander, a 53-year-old tourist, fracturing her right hip, which had to be surgically replaced. She will require months of physical therapy as she learns how to walk again. 

ALVERIO exited the park at East 9th Street and Avenue A and rode his bicycle towards 1st Avenue. 

Five days later, on March 21, 2024, ALVERIO allegedly returned to Tompkins Square Park at approximately 12:05 p.m., approached a group in the park, and shot at them five times. While ALVERIO did not strike any victims on that day, one bullet smashed through a window into a bedroom in an apartment building across the street from the park, and another bullet smashed through a window and lodged in a stairwell in a second building across from the park. 

ALVERIO was apprehended on the Lower East Side on March 26, 2024, by police officers who recognized him from a wanted flyer. 

Assistant D.A. Joseph Abrams (Trial Bureau 70) is handling the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Bureau Chief David Hammer (Trial Bureau 70) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Paralegal Michelle Sheinker is providing valuable assistance in this case. 

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detectives Christopher McNeely, Danielle Venuto and Officer Vladislav Abramov of the 9th Precinct Detective Squad, and Detective Joseph Cohen of the Manhattan South Homicide Squad. 

Defendant Information: 

WALDEMAR ALVERIO 

Charged: 

•   An Attempt to Commit the Crime of Murder in the Second Degree, a class B felony, three counts
•   Assault in the First Degree, a class B felony, two counts
•   An Attempt to Commit the Crime of Assault in the First Degree, a class C felony, one count 
•  Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a class C felony, two counts

[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.