BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR MURDER OF 14-YEAR-OLD BOY WAITING FOR SCHOOL BUS; VICTIM WAS STABBED IN THE HEART

Defendant Also Indicted for Stabbing Man in Subway, Causing Life-Threatening Injuries 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx man has been indicted for Murder and additional charges for allegedly stabbing a teen to death in a random act, just five days after he allegedly stabbed a man waiting for a subway train. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly committed two random, horrific acts of violence. He allegedly stabbed 14-year-old Caleb Rijos on his way to school, who used his last breath to try to speak to his father. Caleb’s death shocked and saddened the city. The defendant is also charged with cutting a man in the arm, severing an artery. We must do more to address underlying mental health issues and get services to people before they can harm others.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Waldo Mejia, 29, last of 270 Alexander Avenue, was arraigned on second-degree Murder, first-degree Manslaughter, Attempted Murder in the second-degree, first-degree Assault, two counts of second-degree Assault, and two counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Timothy Lewis. The defendant was remanded and is due back in court on August 18, 2026. The defendant was previously found mentally unfit to stand trial on March 20, 2025, however, was deemed restored to fitness on October 10, 2025. 

According to the investigation, on January 10, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the defendant approached Caleb Rijos, 14, who was waiting for a bus on Lincoln Avenue and 138th Street. Caleb was looking the other way when Mejia allegedly came up and stabbed him several times in the heart and lungs. The boy ran and collapsed on the street after calling his father on the phone for help. A good Samaritan flagged down an ambulance. Caleb died at NYC Health + Hospitals Lincoln.

Five days earlier, on January 5, 2025, at approximately 3:50 a.m., the defendant allegedly followed a 38-year-old man into the No. 6 train subway station at 138th Street and Alexander Avenue. In the stairwell of the station, the defendant allegedly stabbed the victim in the arm, with the knife severing his brachial artery, and entering his chest. The victim was admitted into intensive care and received multiple surgeries. 

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Paulo Ruiz of the 40th Precinct Squad, Detective Patrick Curran of the Bronx Homicide Squad, Detective Eli Torres of the Bronx Robbery Squad, and Detective Brian Doyle of the Bronx Transit Crime Squad. 

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.  

12 Members of Violent “Crown Hill Enterprise” in Indianapolis Indicted on Federal RICO Charges, Including Murder

 

A federal grand jury returned a 28‑count indictment Wednesday charging 12 alleged members of a racketeering enterprise accused of orchestrating widespread criminal activity in Indianapolis, including murder, kidnapping, assault, arson, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms crimes.The first of these defendants made their initial appearance today in the Southern District of Indiana.

“The superseding indictment in this case alleges, among other things, that these defendants shot and killed a man for slamming the door of a drug house, shot another man in the leg for a $40 drug debt, pistol-whipped at least two other people, and dealt all manner of drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This type of alleged drug dealing and violence ruins communities, people, and their families. Drugs and gang violence are a scourge. These groups will be dismantled and prosecuted.” 

“The allegations in this indictment describe a criminal organization that maintained a grip on Indianapolis neighborhoods for years through fear, violence, and devastation,” said U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler for the Southern District of Indiana. “We will not allow groups that traffic deadly drugs, terrorize residents, and retaliate against witnesses to operate with impunity. We are grateful for the outstanding work of our federal, state, and local partners whose collaboration made today’s charges possible.”

“Violent criminal organizations that use fear, intimidation, and physical violence to further their operations have no place in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “This case reflects the FBI’s commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those responsible for fueling violence and organized criminal activity. We will continue using every available resource to protect the public and pursue those who believe they can operate above the law.”

 “This gang used firearms, arson and violence to intimidate the public and protect their criminal activities,” said Director Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Working with our law enforcement partners, we brought the full weight of our investigative capabilities to bear. We are proud of our work on this case, and we will continue to dismantle violent gangs like Crown Hill, hold their members accountable and bring them to justice for the American communities they threaten.”

According to court documents, between early 2019 and December 2024, the criminal organization known as the “Crown Hill Enterprise” allegedly operated to distribute an array of illegal drugs through no fewer than 11 different “trap houses” located throughout Indianapolis. The gang created fictitious business entities to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of its illicit drug proceeds.

The enterprise sought to preserve, expand, and protect its power, territory, reputation, and profits through intimidation and acts of violence, including murder, kidnapping, assault, arson, threats of violence, and the display of firearms. On multiple occasions, defendants Tre J. Dunn, 28, and Tanesha M. Turner, 40, both of Indianapolis, beat and shot individuals they believed had stolen drug proceeds, were associated with rival drug dealers, or owed a drug debt to the gang.

As alleged, on Nov. 3, 2024, Turner and an associate kidnapped an individual over a $40 debt related to fronted narcotics. The next day, Dunn and another gang member beat and fatally shot a victim after he allegedly disrespected Turner by slamming the door of a trap house.

As part of the workings of the gang, defendants and other gang members allegedly sought to obstruct law enforcement investigations by intimidating potential witnesses and retaliating against those they believed cooperated with police. On April 23, 2024, defendant Nahamani I. Sargent, 35 of Indianapolis, and other gang members fired gunshots and threw Molotov cocktails at a residence where they believed an individual had provided information to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department that led to the execution of a state search warrant at one of the organization’s trap houses.

During multiple court-authorized searches, law enforcement seized 35 firearms and a machinegun conversion device, along with drugs and cash.

The FBI, ATF, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department are investigating this case. 

Trial Attorney Samuel Benjamin Tonkin of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley Blackington and Kelsey Massa for the Southern District of Indiana are prosecuting the case. 

An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

U.S. Attorney Announces Conviction Of Daniel Sikkema For Murder-For-Hire

 

“Daniel Sikkema was found guilty of hiring a hitman to murder his husband in cold blood,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Amid contentious divorce proceedings with his then-husband, Daniel Sikkema used a burner phone line to callously order the killing of his husband in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  As a result of great investigative work by the FBI, Daniel Sikkema’s efforts to evade detection were thwarted.  The tragedy of Brent Sikkema’s death now has a meaningful measure of justice as a unanimous jury of New Yorkers has held Daniel Sikkema accountable for this senseless, cold-blooded murder.” 

Attorney General James Secures $4.5 Million from Travel Agencies for Scheme to Avoid Taxes

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured $4.5 million from travel booking company Fareportal, Inc. (Fareportal) and three of its affiliated travel companies – WK Travel, Inc., Jen NY, Inc., and Tripmama, Inc. – for failing to pay over a million dollars in state corporate taxes. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that the companies violated the tax provisions of the New York False Claims Act by concealing millions of dollars of taxable dividends from the state’s tax authorities. The companies intentionally misclassified those dividends as “management fees” paid to a separate company, Magic Travel, LLC (Magic Travel), which had the same owner as the travel companies. The travel companies then deducted the sham fees from their income to make it appear that their taxable profits were far lower than they actually were, which allowed them to avoid paying more than a million dollars in taxes.  

“New Yorkers’ taxes help support our roads, trains, and airports – the same infrastructure that travel agencies like Fareportal depend on for their success,” said Attorney General James. “Fareportal and its affiliates operated a brazen scheme to avoid paying taxes, and now they are being held accountable. My office has zero tolerance for tax dodgers, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to ensure all New Yorkers pay their fair share.”

From 2007 to 2012, Fareportal and its affiliated companies avoided paying over a million dollars in New York state corporate taxes by misclassifying dividend payments as management fees. The companies paid a portion of their profits to Magic Travel as management fees, and then deducted these payments as expenses, reducing their tax burden. But the OAG’s investigation revealed that the fees were grossly inflated – Magic Travel had no employees and merely held the personal investments of the travel companies’ owner, who already worked as CEO of Fareportal. In total, the companies paid approximately $145 million in management fees to Magic Travel over the five-year period.

Under state and federal tax law, most of the management fee payments to Magic Travel were in fact dividends distributed to the owner, which the companies should have paid far more taxes on than they did. The companies and their owner were aware of this, but continued to take the inflated tax deductions despite explicit warnings from outside accountants that the fees could be classified as dividend payments and result in the companies being liable for millions of dollars in federal, state, and local taxes.

The investigation began after a whistleblower filed a qui tam action under the New York False Claims Act. The New York False Claims Act allows private individuals to file civil actions on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. Under the settlement, Fareportal and its affiliated companies will pay $4.5 million, with approximately $1 million going to the whistleblower. 

Attorney General James previously secured $2.6 million from Fareportal in an unrelated case involving its deceptive use of “dark pattern” marketing practices to manipulate customers by creating a false sense of urgency around ticket and hotel room availability.

FOUR MEN INDICTED IN SALE OF ASSAULT WEAPON, EIGHT OTHER FIREARMS TO UNDERCOVER NYPD OFFICER

 

Middleman in Scheme Purchased Loaded Gun in Playground

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced that four men have been indicted in a firearms trafficking conspiracy that sold nine guns—including a .300 Blackout semi-automatic rifle—to an undercover police officer out of a building in the Concourse section of the Bronx. 

District Attorney Clark said, “These defendants allegedly provided high-powered pistols, and a semi-automatic rifle that fires ammunition suited for hunting and close-range combat. They allegedly brought a loaded gun into a playground. We will not tolerate such wanton disregard for public safety, and I applaud the NYPD undercovers who risk their lives to stop gun traffickers.” 

Police Commissioner Tisch said, “The defendants in this case were part of a dangerous trafficking ring that funneled seven pistols, one semi-automatic rifle, and drugs into a thriving Bronx community, even operating near a public playground in broad daylight. The illegal distribution of guns and narcotics places New Yorkers at risk and has no business on our streets, but thanks to the meticulous work of our NYPD investigators, this operation has been shut down. We will continue to work with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office to ensure that these criminals are held fully accountable.” 

District Attorney Clark said that the defendants, Junior Alvarado, 29, Brandon Suero, 29, Erick Martinez, 24, all of the Bronx, and Tajamar Daishah Hyatt, 29, of Florida, were variously charged in a 51-count indictment with Criminal Sale of a Firearm, Conspiracy, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Rifle or Shotgun in a Sensitive Location; and Possession of Ammunition.

District Attorney Clark said defendant Alvarado was arraigned on May 19, 2026 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Timothy Lewis. Bail was set at $200,000 cash/$600,000 bond/$600,000 partially secured bond. Suero and Martinez were arraigned on May 14, 2026, before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goldsmith. Bail was set at $30,000 cash/$100,000 bond/$100,000 partially secured bond. Hyatt is awaiting arraignment. 

According to the investigation by Narcotics Borough Bronx and the Bronx DA’s Special Investigations Bureau, from July 2, 2025, to November 6, 2025, NYPD detectives conducted a series of undercover purchases of firearms, narcotics, and controlled substances from Alvarado on East Clarke Place in the Concourse neighborhood. He is charged with first-degree Criminal Sale of a Firearm for allegedly unlawfully selling three or more firearms within a year. 

Further investigation revealed Suero, Hyatt and Martinez allegedly provided some of these firearms for Alvarado to sell. In one incident, on July 7, 2025, the parties met at about 6:30 p.m. in a playground area on East Clarke Place, Hyatt with a black backpack containing a loaded Ruger 9-mm pistol. Alvarado allegedly counted out cash and took possession of the backpack, which he then brought to the undercover and allegedly sold it to them. The transaction was captured on video surveillance. 

Police purchased nine firearms in total: seven pistols, one .300-caliber Blackout American Technical semi-automatic rifle (AR-15 style) and one inoperable pistol. They also purchased oxycodone pills, alprazolam pills, and cocaine.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Ferdi Memedoski and Konti Markvukaj, Sergeant William Rojas, Lieutenants Daniel Maria and Robert Fischer, Captain Alberto Gonzalez and Inspector Miguel Iglesias, of Narcotics Borough Bronx Major Case Unit, for their work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Governor Hochul Announces Crackdown on Impaired and Reckless Driving This Memorial Day Weekend

Enforcement Campaign to Run Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25

Construction-Related Short-Term Lane Closures on New York State Highways will be Suspended for the Holiday Weekend

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that law enforcement statewide will increase patrols to deter alcohol- and drug-impaired driving and reckless driving through the Memorial Day weekend. The increased enforcement period starts at 6 p.m. Friday, May 22, and runs through 11 p.m. Monday, May 25. Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, and police will be out in force to remove impaired and reckless drivers from the state’s highways and help ensure travelers can arrive safely at their destinations.

“We want to make sure everyone has a great kickoff of the summer season and stays safe on the road,” said Governor Hochul. “If you are getting behind the wheel, drive responsibly and never drive impaired. There is zero tolerance in New York for such irresponsible and dangerous behavior.”

To help ease travel during the busy holiday weekend, temporary, short-term lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning 6 a.m. Friday, May 22 through 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 26.

Motorists should be aware some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers, or if emergency repairs are necessary. The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.

Acting Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said, “This is the start of the busy summer travel season, and it is incumbent on everyone on the road to be safe behind the wheel. We all want to have fun with family and friends, but impaired driving crashes are 100% preventable. There is no excuse for making that choice when there are multiple options to get you from point A to point B safely, and without putting yourself or anyone else at risk of injury or death in a crash. Same goes for the phone; that text can wait until you stop. Be smart and be safe.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the busy summer travel season, and our members will be highly visible across the state working to keep motorists safe. We are reminding everyone to make responsible decisions before getting behind the wheel. Impaired, reckless, and distracted driving place lives at risk and will not be tolerated on New York’s roadways. If you plan to celebrate, have a sober transportation plan in place, obey traffic laws, slow down, move over for emergency and highway workers, and help us ensure everyone arrives home safely.”

Drivers can expect to encounter sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols by State Police and local and county law enforcement agencies during the holiday weekend. As part of the crackdown, troopers will use both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles to more easily identify motorists who are violating the law. CITE vehicles blend in with traffic and allow troopers to better observe driving violations; they are unmistakable as police vehicles upon activation of emergency lights.

This initiative is partially funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC). The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind motorists that their “Have a Plan” mobile app is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. The app allows users to locate and call a taxi or rideshare, program a designated driver list, report a suspected impaired driver and learn about state DWI laws and penalties.

During the Memorial Day weekend enforcement in 2025, law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 34,245 tickets for various vehicle and traffic law violations, including 1,404 tickets for impaired driving and 6,139 tickets for speeding.

Motorists are reminded to follow the state’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway, including law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, maintenance vehicles and disabled vehicles.

To reduce distracted driving, New York provides text stops, park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways. All text stops will remain open, providing locations where drivers can safely use their mobile devices. Texting while driving is especially dangerous, as it takes the motorist’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off driving.

All 27 service areas located on the Thruway are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Motorists can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority’s website and free mobile app, which is available for iPhone and Android devices. The app also provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists also can register for TRANSalert emails, which provide the latest conditions along the Thruway.

Travelers can also check NYSDOT's 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on the App Store or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2,219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.

Mayor Mamdani Mobilizes City Government to Prepare New Yorkers for Rainy Holiday Weekend

 

City workers inspecting and clearing stormwater infrastructure in flood-prone areas

 

Specialized emergency assets and response teams are on standby   

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) today issued a weather alert for prolonged rainfall expected to impact New York City over Memorial Day weekend and announced a citywide mobilization to prepare for potential flooding and storm impacts.

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts rain beginning Saturday morning into early Saturday afternoon, with the heaviest and most persistent rainfall expected from Saturday evening through Sunday morning. Light rain may continue into Sunday afternoon or evening, with additional showers on Memorial Day.

Current forecasts call for 1.5 to 2 inches of rainfall over the weekend, with thunderstorms capable of producing rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour for brief periods. Winds are also expected to strengthen Saturday night into Sunday morning, with gusts reaching 25 to 30 mph and stronger gusts possible on elevated structures and exposed areas.

Ahead of the storm, Mayor Mamdani directed City agencies and partners to take proactive steps to reduce flooding risks and ensure a coordinated emergency response if conditions worsen.

NYCEM is leading enhanced coordination with the NWS, City and State agencies, utility providers and private-sector partners. Specialized emergency assets and response teams are on standby and ready for rapid deployment if needed.

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and Department of Transportation (DOT) are inspecting and clearing catch basins in flood-prone neighborhoods. DEP is also bringing in additional staff throughout the weekend to support flood preparedness and response operations. The NYPD will monitor traffic for stranded motorists during any street flooding and will have tow trucks on alert in every borough.

“As we prepare for more rain this holiday weekend, our administration is taking every possible step to keep New Yorkers safe,” said Mayor Mamdani. “From clearing catch basins in flood-prone neighborhoods to monitoring downed trees and storm-related hazards, we are mobilizing City government early and aggressively. But we can’t do it alone. We need all New Yorkers to sign up for Notify NYC emergency alerts, make a plan and check on neighbors and loved ones before the storm arrives. Visit nyc.gov/beready to learn more.”

“We recently saw how quickly heavy rainfall can impact parts of the city, and how weather conditions can sometimes change unexpectedly,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “While widespread significant flooding is not currently forecast, periods of steady rain could still lead to hazardous travel conditions and localized flooding. Many New Yorkers will be traveling and spending time outdoors during Memorial Day weekend, so we encourage residents and visitors to plan ahead, monitor the forecast and sign up for Notify NYC.” 

“Our message this weekend is simple: please stay safe and do not underestimate how quickly flooding can happen,” said DEP Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia. “Conditions can change in minutes, and taking precautions early can save lives. DEP crews will be out all weekend clearing catch basins and monitoring conditions across the city, with additional attention and support to flood-prone neighborhoods. We want every New Yorker to enjoy the holiday weekend and make it home safely.”

New Yorkers should plan now to prepare for potential flooding and severe weather conditions by visiting www.nyc.gov/beready.

Stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts by texting NotifyNYC to 692-692, visiting the Notify NYC page, calling 311, following @NotifyNYC or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for Apple or Android devices.

Monitor real-time flood information at floodnet.nyc.

CONSUMER ALERT: NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Reminds New Yorkers of Summer Safety Tips Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

Summer Safety Tips are Helpful Guides for Enjoying and Working Outdoors During the Summer Without Compromising Safety

Tips Include Heat safety, Children’s Safety, Grill Safety, Working and Fun safety  

The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is reminding New Yorkers of basic safety tips ahead of Memorial Day weekend. As warm weather approaches, these tips are helpful guides for enjoying or working outdoors during the hot summer season without compromising safety.

“Memorial Day marks the start of the season when New Yorkers begin planning for large gatherings, outdoor activities and fun festivities,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “The NYS Division of Consumer Protection reminds New Yorkers to follow simple tips for staying safe from outdoor hazards and hot temperatures while enjoying all the summer has to offer.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “We all want to make the most of the summer months, enjoying the beautiful weather and New York’s great outdoors. Don’t let an emergency spoil the fun. Whether you’re on the playground, at the pool, or in front of the grill, stay cool and use best practices for safe summer activities to protect yourself.” 

The Division of Consumer Protection offers the following tips to consumers: 

HEAT SAFETY:

• Don’t leave children and pets in hot cars. Heat stroke is a significant danger to children and pets left in cars during the summer months and can cause significant harm or death, even when the outside temperature is as low as 57 degrees. Always check the back seat of your car before locking the doors. Never leave a child or pet in an unattended vehicle in the warm weather. To learn how to prevent hot car deaths, review our consumer alerton the topic.
• Stay informed. Check weather forecasts and sign-up for NY-Alert, the State’s Free Emergency Alert System to stay aware of any heatwaves or severe weather.
• Beat the heat. Minimize, if possible, strenuous activity and exercise, especially during the sun's peak hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Stay hydrated. 60% of your body weight is made of water, so make sure to drink enough water, adjusting for activity level and heat.
• Stay safe. During periods of extreme heat, keep yourself and your family safe by reviewing heat safety tipsfrom the NYS Department of Health and finding a cooling center near you.

CHILDREN’S SAFETY:

• Ensure playground safety.Check playground equipment for damage and monitor your kids while they are playing.  For information on playground safety, read this  Public Playground Safety Checklist.
• Supervise water activities.Always supervise children near water, including pools, beaches and lakes. You can find American Red Cross swim lessons in your area and safety tips in our water safety consumer alert.
• Respect the rules at amusement parks and fair rides. Obey listed age, height, weight and health restrictions, and follow all directions posted on signs, given by ride operators or announced through recorded messages. These rules were created for everyone’s safety. Read our consumer alertfor more safety tips at amusement parks and fairs.

OUTDOOR SAFETY:

• Wear a helmet. Always wear a helmet when biking or skateboarding and follow traffic rules. For more biking tips, check out our recent consumer alert.
• Grill safely.  Only use grills outside in a well-ventilated area. Never use a grill indoors, in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, next to your home or under a surface that will burn. For more safe grilling tips, check out our recent consumer alert.
• Prevent fireworks related injuries.The best way to keep your family safe is to leave fireworks to the professionals. Even sparklers are dangerous around children because they can burn hot enough to melt metal. For additional tips and information on New York’s laws on fireworks, read our July 2024 consumer alert.
• Use caution to prevent fires and burn injuries. During summer months, many summer activities such as camping, cookouts, bonfires, and fireworks involve fire. Keep children at least three feet from all heat sources, including campfires, grills, and fire pits.
• Shield yourself from burns. As temperatures rise, applying sunscreen is essential. But when it comes to infants, the best protection is to stay out the sun completely. The Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding sunscreen for babies under 6 months of age.
• Beware the bug bite.
  • No one likes a bug bite. Cover your skin as completely as possible when outside at sunrise, sunset, and early in the evening when mosquitoes and other bugs are most active.
  • Ticks are a high risk in 2026, so take extra precautions. See the NYS Department of Health’s recent information on tick precautions.

Power Tools Safety:

• Make sure you read directions and follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.
• Protect yourself while you work: wear snug clothing and remove jewelry that could get caught in tools.
• Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.
• When using power tools, never carry them by the cord and keep cords away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
• One power tool that is regularly involved in injuries is a table saw. No matter how expert you are, always use the blade guard for through cuts and use a push stick for small pieces.
• When using battery-powered tools, only use the battery and charger provided by the manufacturer.
• Always keep hands away from moving parts.
• Extreme caution is required when operating a chainsaw. Never cut over your head (kickback can land the chainsaw into your face or shoulder).

Lawn Mower Safety:

• Do not allow children to ride on a mower as a passenger.
• Keep children out of the yard when mowing.
• Before you start mowing, pick up objects like stones, branches and toys, which can become flying objects if you run over them.
• Dress appropriately for the job: wear closed-toe shoes and use eye protection, gloves and hearing protection when needed.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.