NYPD Announces Citywide Crime Statistics for May 2023

 

Shootings, Murders, Robberies, and Burglaries driven down across New York City

For the month of May 2023, New York City saw a 26.5% drop in shooting incidents compared to May 2022 (86 v. 117). The decrease in shootings extends the 25.8% decrease in shooting incidents citywide through the first five months of 2023 compared to the same period a year ago (379 v. 511) – meaning 154 fewer people have been shot this year compared to last year. Additionally, homicides fell by 33.3% (32 v. 48) for the month of May 2023. 

The NYPD continues working to foster an environment that allows every community in New York City to flourish. A prime focus is combating gun violence and leveraging partnerships to assist in that important work. In May 2023, the department continued to make historic numbers of gun arrests – 349 arrests resulting in 284 firearms seized for the month. Overall, NYPD officers have seized 2,802 guns from the streets of New York City and made 1,802 gun arrests through the first five months of 2023. 

Overall index crime stayed flat in May 2023 compared to the same period a year ago, increasing by 0.1% (10,610 v. 10,603).  Index crimes were driven mainly by grand larceny auto (+32.5%; 1,369 v. 1,033). At the same time, New York City saw a drop in five of the seven index crime categories in May 2023, including a 33.3% reduction in homicide, an 11.1% decline in robbery (1,351 v. 1,520) and an 11.8% decline in burglary (1,127 v. 1,278). 

In the city’s subway system, robberies decreased by 30.9% (38 v. 55) in May, as major crime in transit fell 13.1% (193 v. 222) for the month. This extends the 8.7% (893 v. 978) decrease in major crime in transit through the first five months of 2023 – a development which reflects the increased confidence in the subway system’s improving public-safety picture. New York City’s subways, like its streets, are becoming increasingly crowded – continuing the ongoing vibrancy of the city in a post-pandemic environment. 

As in May, this month’s decline in burglaries included decreases in the burglaries of both residences and commercial establishments. And retail theft – otherwise known as shoplifting – also continued its decline in May 2023 by 6.4% (5,175 v.5,530), as the NYPD maintained its focus on ensuring public safety in the city’s bustling commercial corridors and business districts. 

Through the first five months of 2023, New York City has seen reductions in five of the seven index crime categories, including murder down 14.1% (158 v. 184), rape down 7.3% (619 v. 668), robbery down 3.9% (6,357 v. 6,615), burglary down 7.7% (5,834 v. 6,319), and grand larceny down 0.6% (19,993 v. 20,121). The women and men of the NYPD remain steadfast in their ongoing efforts to drive down crime, improve the quality of life in New York City, and earn the confidence of those who live in, work in, and visit the city. 

In May 2023, NYPD officers made 4,599 arrests in the seven major crime categories, a 13.7% increase compared to the number of such arrests in the same period last year – and the highest number of arrests in the seven major crime categories for any May in a quarter century. In the first five months of this year, officers have made 21,406 such arrests – a 24-year high.  

“The women and men of the NYPD start each day with a clear mission: to work for and with the people of this city in our shared investment in public safety,” said Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “Over the past seventeen months, I have seen their tireless work and their critical contributions to the vibrancy returning to our sidewalks and subways, stores and restaurants, and business districts. Our work remains unfinished, but we will never waver in our public safety mission to deliver safe streets and enhance strong bonds between the police and the people we serve.” 

*All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revision, or change.*

Index Crime Statistics: May 2023

	May 2023	May 2022	+/-	% Change
Murder	32	48	-16	-33.3%
Rape	124	157	-33	-21.0%
Robbery	1351	1520	-169	-11.1%
Felony Assault	2350	2384	-34	1.4%
Burglary	1127	1278	-151	-11.8%
Grand Larceny	4257	4183	74	-1.8%
Grand Larceny Auto	1369	1033	336	32.5%
TOTAL	10610	10603	7	0.1%

Additional Statistics For May 2023

	May 2023	May 2022	+/-	% Change
Transit	193	222	-29	-13.1%
Housing	511	531	-20	-3.8%
Shooting Incidents	86	117	-31	-26.5%

Hate Crimes Statistics Summary for 

May 2023

(Representing May 1st – May 31st for calendar years 

2023 and 2022)

Motivation	2023	2022	Diff	% Change
Asian	13	5	8	160%
Black	0	5	-5	-100%
Disability	0	0	0	0%
Ethnic	8	2	6	300%
Gender	5	2	3	150%
Hispanic	2	4	-2	-50%
Jewish	23	26	-3	-12%
Muslim	2	7	-5	-71%
Religion	1	0	1	***
Sexual Orientation	4	5	-1	-20%
White	1	0	1	***
TOTAL	59	56	3	5%

Note: Statistics above are subject to change upon 

investigation, as active possible bias cases may be 

reclassified to non-bias cases and removed from counted data.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES ENROLLMENT IN NATION’S LARGEST FREE MUNICIPAL BROADBAND PROGRAM SURPASSES 100,000 NYCHA HOUSEHOLDS

 

 

Current Number of Households Enrolled in ‘Big Apple Connect’ Accounts for Approximately 75 Percent of Residents Eligible

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Chief Technology Officer and New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) Commissioner Matthew Fraser today announced that ‘Big Apple Connect’ — the nation’s largest municipal broadband program — has surpassed 100,000 household enrollments. The immense response means that approximately 75 percent of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) households eligible for the program now have access to broadband through Big Apple Connect. Since its inception last fall, Big Apple Connect has provided free internet and basic cable television access to approximately 300,000 New Yorkers at 202 sites across the five boroughs. The program has saved NYCHA residents tens of millions of dollars since its inception, according to service providers. New York City is currently evaluating additional developments to include in the program.

 

“In today’s digital age, reliable, high-speed internet is as essential as water and heat, and I am proud to mark this incredible milestone in our quest to bridge the digital divide,” said Mayor Adams. “Something as simple as providing free, accessible Wi-Fi can change the life of a New Yorker, and now, 100,000 NYCHA households — who for too long had been ignored — no longer have to worry about accessing the critical digital tools they need to succeed. I am thrilled that we have enrolled approximately 75 percent of households eligible in Big Apple Connect and urge all eligible NYCHA residents to take advantage of this wonderful program as we connect thousands more New Yorkers to opportunities and to the future.”

 

“Big Apple Connect bridges the digital divide that for too long has excluded our public housing NYCHA residents,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright.  “I applaud Mayor Eric Adams for his vision and Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser for his dedication to making sure that all New Yorkers, regardless of their zip code, have access to vital, free internet and TV. With more than 300,000 New Yorkers served at over 200 NYCHA developments, Big Apple Connect is making sure we all remain connected.”

 

"The arrival of Big Apple Connect marked a paradigm shift in New York City’s affordable broadband strategy — one that prioritized immediate action to meet the urgent needs of our students, families, and older adults living in public housing,” said New York City Chief Technology Officer and OTI Commissioner Fraser. “These enrollment milestones, achieved less than nine months after the program’s launch, highlight the immense demand for free high-speed internet across NYCHA, enormous cost-savings for our lower-income residents, and the city’s ongoing commitment to bridging the digital divide. While we reached our goal of bringing Big Apple Connect to 200 developments earlier this year, we continue to evaluate new opportunities to expand broadband access across the city. I thank Mayor Adams for his staunch support of this program, Altice and Charter for their partnership, and all the NYCHA residents who have enrolled.”

 

“The success of Big Apple Connect shows that access to high-speed internet is a necessity rather than an amenity. The enthusiastic response of NYCHA tenants to this program is a major advance toward fulfilling a goal of ‘Housing Our Neighbors,’ the city’s housing and homelessness blueprint,” said Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “Ending the digital divide is one more way of addressing racial disparities, expanding economic opportunity, and improving quality of life for NYCHA residents.”

 

"NYCHA is thrilled that Big Apple Connect has reached this major milestone," said NYCHA Interim CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt. "Over 100,000 NYCHA households will now have access to internet and basic cable services — essentials for all New Yorkers. We are proud to partner with OTI to connect NYCHA residents to the critical resources that access to the internet can provide."

 

Mayor Adams launched Big Apple Connect in September 2022, with a first phase that included access to more than 90,000 households eligible across 135 NYCHA developments and a promise to reach 200 sites by end of 2023. This past March, the Adams administration expanded program eligibility to make it available to an additional 40,000 households at 67 new sites — completing the program nine months ahead of schedule.

 

Among the largest NYCHA developments with the highest enrollments of Big Apple Connect for each borough are:

 

• Bronx: Patterson Houses, 1,518 households, 85.57 percent registration rate
• Manhattan: Grant Houses, 1,635 households, 84.10 percent registration rate
• Brooklyn: Brownsville Houses, 1,067 households, 81.33 percent registration rate
• Queens: Astoria Houses, 740 households, 80.50 percent registration rate
• Staten Island: Mariner’s Harbor Houses, 465 households, 76.61 percent registration rate

 

Thirty NYCHA developments have more than 1,000 households enrolled, 23 of which have 75 percent enrollment — including 11 in the Bronx, five in Brooklyn, four in Manhattan, and three in Queens. The nation’s largest public housing development — Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City — has 2,547 households — or approximately 80 percent — enrolled.

 

Big Apple Connect provides residents of NYCHA developments a free bundle that consists of in-home, high-speed internet connection, including a modem and router; basic cable TV service, including a cable box and remote control; and common area Wi-Fi hotspots, selected in consultation with NYCHA.

 

The city has entered into three-year agreements with Altice (Optimum) and Charter (Spectrum), which will collectively cover most developments owned and managed by NYCHA. OTI is billed directly for all residents enrolled in Big Apple Connect.

 

Existing customers of Optimum and Spectrum living in NYCHA developments where Big Apple Connect is active are automatically enrolled in the program and are only billed for additional services they choose to purchase directly. Residents receive email notifications and mailers explaining why their bills were lowered, as well as information on Big Apple Connect. Residents without existing service can sign up directly though Optimum or Spectrum or may attend on-site enrollment events conducted by the companies in partnership with OTI.

 

This effort builds on the city’s suite of digital equity initiatives, aimed at making sure every New Yorker has the connectivity they need to participate in an increasingly digital society. Efforts include the Link5G program, which is aimed at delivering high-speed wireless service and free Wi-Fi to every corner of New York City; the city’s Gigabit Centers, which provide free connectivity and digital literacy training to community centers; and OTI’s ‘Connected Communities’ program, a large-scale digital inclusion initiative that delivers digital literacy and employment resources in historically underserved areas for thousands of New Yorkers every year.

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY METRO, LOWER HUDSON VALLEY, UPPER HUDSON VALLEY, ADIRONDACKS, EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO, AND CENTRAL NEW YORK

 

In Effect for Tuesday, June 6, 2023

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Long Island, New York City Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, and Central New York regions for Tuesday, June 6, 2023.  

The pollutant of concern is: Fine Particulate Matter 

The advisory will be in effect from 12:00 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

FINE PARTICULATE MATTER

Fine particulate matter consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g. vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

 

Exposure can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.

 

When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high.

 

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy saving and pollution-reducing steps:

1. use mass transit instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, people are strongly advised to carpool only with members of their households;
2. conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
3. turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
4. use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
5. close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
6. limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
7. set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
8. purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
9. reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.
   

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website. To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up for DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service.

The Tuesday, June 6, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of the following: Long Island which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties; New York City Metro which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties; Lower Hudson Valley which includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Ulster, and Sullivan counties; Upper Hudson Valley which includes Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Washington counties; Adirondacks which includes Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and Warren counties; Eastern Lake Ontario which includes northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Oswego, and Wayne counties; Central New York which includes Allegany, Broome, southern Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, southern Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, and Yates counties.

Riverdale Block Party 2023 - Next Sunday!

 

~ IT'S ALMOST HERE! ~   Riverdale Main Streets Alliance's Riverdale Block Party 2023 Sunday, June 11th - Noon to 5p

Join Us For A Fun & Festive Day On Riverdale Avenue From 259th Street to 2 Blocks South We have the whole street this year! Music, games, food, doggie parade, Zumba, salsa lessons, & more surprises. We're so proud of our local businesses & their support! See updates on Instagram @rmsabx

************* Help Us Beautify! As an all volunteer organization, RMSA relies on  community members. Every other week until September, we need volunteers for watering, weeding, clean up and occasional planting. Join our Streetscape Committee or volunteer when you can! For more information, follow us on Instagram: @rmsabx ***************

Our Infamous Riverdale Welcome Sign  Close to Riverdale Avenue & 254th Street, our sweet welcome  sign is because of Riverdale Main Streets Alliance and  maintained  by our volunteers -- as Chris Rizzo points out. Chris  is a devoted RMSA volunteer, Streetscape Committee Co-Chair  and RMSA's  former Board Chair.

Armed Security Guard At 26 Federal Plaza Indicted For Violating The Constitutional Rights Of An Individual Through Forced Sexual Assault

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that JIMMY SOLANO-ARIAS, a former armed security guard at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building located at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, was indicted in federal court for violating the constitutional rights of an asylum seeker (the “Victim”) by forcing the Victim, through the threat of death or serious bodily injury, to perform oral sex on SOLANO-ARIAS while inside a locked office in 26 Federal Plaza.  SOLANO-ARIAS was arrested and charged by Complaint on May 5, 2023.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe.

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged, Solano-Arias, who was employed as an armed security guard assigned to 26 Federal Plaza, sexually assaulted the victim, who had come to the building to complete his asylum paperwork.  In doing so, he violated the victim’s constitutional rights through forced sexual assault.  As today’s indictment should demonstrate, the FBI will never tolerate this type of activity, and Solano-Arias will be forced to face the consequences of his actions.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint and Indictment that were filed in Manhattan federal court:[1]

On or about May 4, 2023, SOLANO-ARIAS was employed as a security guard by a company that contracts with the Federal Protective Service to provide armed security services at 26 Federal Plaza.  SOLANO-ARIAS was wearing a black and gray security guard uniform and carrying his employer-issued firearm on his waistband.

On or about May 4, 2023, the Victim went to 26 Federal Plaza for the purpose of submitting an asylum application.  Once there, SOLANO-ARIAS offered to assist the Victim with his asylum paperwork.  Instead of providing assistance, however, SOLANO-ARIAS led the Victim to a locked office on the second floor of 26 Federal Plaza, where SOLANO-ARIAS demanded that the Victim perform oral sex on SOLANO-ARIAS.  When the Victim attempted to resist SOLANO-ARIAS’s demands, SOLANO-ARIAS touched his firearm, which was holstered on his waist.  Fearing that SOLANO-ARIAS would kill the Victim, the Victim performed oral sex on SOLANO-ARIAS, which caused physical pain and injury to the Victim.  After the assault, when the Victim was able to leave the office, he immediately reported the sexual assault to law enforcement.

SOLANO-ARIAS, 42, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, which involved kidnapping and aggravated sexual abuse, and which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI.  Mr. Williams requests that any individuals who have information with respect to JIMMY SOLANO-ARIAS contact the FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

The charge contained in the Complaint and the Indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and Indictment and the description of the Complaint and Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Announces Indictment and Arraignment of State Trooper on Manslaughter Charges

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today announced the indictment and arraignment of New York State Trooper Anthony Nigro IV on charges of Manslaughter in the First and Second Degrees. The indictment alleges Trooper Nigro shot and killed James Huber in Buffalo, Erie County on February 12, 2022.

Trooper Nigro was arraigned today in Erie County Supreme Court before Justice M. William Boller, where he pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. Manslaughter in the First Degree is a Class B violent felony and carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and five years of supervised release.

On the morning of February 12, 2022, members of the New York State Police (NYSP) were pursuing Mr. Huber, who was speeding and driving erratically on Interstate 90 near Buffalo. The NYSP called off the chase when Mr. Huber exited the highway. A short time later, Mr. Huber stopped his car near the intersection of Washington Street and East Eagle Street in Buffalo. Trooper Nigro approached the car, and during an interaction with Mr. Huber, fired his service weapon and shot Mr. Huber, who was unarmed. Mr. Huber was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

The OAG would like to thank Acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli and NYSP for their cooperation and partnership.

Criminal charges are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty at trial or by plea.

Governor Hochul, Buffalo Bills, and Erie County Announce Start of Construction on New, State-of-the-Art Buffalo Bills Football Stadium

 

Stadium Project Marks Largest Economic Development Project in Western New York History – With an Estimated 30-Year Economic Impact of $1.6 Billion

Construction on New 60,000-Seat Facility Expected to Complete in 2026

Project Will Create 10,000 Union Labor Construction Jobs Through Project Labor Agreement

Project Renderings Available Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul, Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell today announced the start of construction on the Bills’ new, state-of-the-art $1.54 billion stadium in Orchard Park. The new 60,000-seat facility, designed by the Bills in conjunction with Legends and the architectural firm Populous, marks the largest economic development project in Western New York history with an estimated 30-year economic impact of $1.6 billion and the creation of 10,000 union construction jobs. Construction on the new stadium is expected to be complete in 2026. Project renderings can be viewed here.

“As a native Buffalonian and a life-long Bills fan, I know how much this team means to this city and region as a whole,” Governor Hochul said. “As we break ground on a beautiful new stadium, we’re celebrating a new era for this region and for tens of thousands of New Yorkers who stand to benefit. With this project, the Bills — and New York State — are making a lasting commitment to the people of Western New York.”

The new, open-air stadium will be built across from the existing Highmark Stadium, which was built in 1973, and includes several major improvements over the existing stadium facility. It will add weather control features, including extensive radiant heating and a canopy that covers 65 percent of seats, to provide protection from inclement weather. The exterior of the stadium will also include enhanced fan experience gathering sites to be utilized by fans, spectators, and members of the surrounding community.

The stadium project is projected to create 10,000 construction jobs and will be built with union labor in accordance with a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) agreed to by the Buffalo Building Trades Council.

In 2022, Governor Hochul announced the historic public-private stadium agreement, which includes a $600 million investment by New York State that will be recouped through taxes and economic activity that the team generates. Under the agreement, the Bills and NFL will invest $690 million for the stadium’s construction and Erie County will contribute $250 million.

The Buffalo Bills franchise is a proven economic driver for the Buffalo region and the state. The Bills currently generate $27 million annually in direct income, sales and use taxes for New York State, Erie County and Buffalo. An economic analysis by Empire State Development and AECOM found that, over the 30-year lease period of the new stadium, revenues are expected to grow significantly and will cumulatively amount to more than $1.6 billion in economic impact. Furthermore, the study found that the stadium would have a regional economic impact of more than $385 million annually as fans and spectators from across New York, the United States, and Canada patronize local businesses.