EXCLUSIVE: Cypress Hills residents demand police enforcement after string of violent incidents
People who live in the Highland Park community say the incidents have heightened concerns about public safety in an area they describe as largely quiet and residential.
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A fiery motorcycle crash, a stabbing and a shooting all unfolded within minutes of each other Monday night in Cypress Hills, leaving residents shaken.
People who live in the Highland Park community say the incidents have heightened concerns about public safety in an area they describe as largely quiet and residential.
"It was pretty scary the night of the shooting because I didn't really know what was happening," said 10-year-old resident Maia Duran.
Residents told News 12 they have been asking for months for more enforcement along Highland Boulevard and in nearby Highland Park, citing reckless driving, street takeovers and other illegal activity.
Several neighbors shared videos showing drivers speeding along Highland Boulevard and performing dangerous maneuvers, with some resulting in serious crashes.
"I hear of folks doing doughnuts here at the corner of Miller and Highland," said resident Emily Walker. "There's just cars everywhere, and you see hundreds of kids. It feels so unsafe."
The neighborhood sits along the edge of Highland Park near the Queens border. Community members say illegal dirt bike activity often spills onto nearby residential streets.
"If we had lighting back there, then the gentlemen wouldn't have time to hang out there," said longtime resident Zenobia Bly. "There wouldn't be a whole lot of other things going on back there either."
Others said they are worried about violence occurring in a community where families live and children play.
"We have these guns in these residential areas, and we don't have the enforcement to protect us," said resident Tammi Green of the Jackie Robinson Pkwy Security Block Watch Association. "Then it's just a disaster that's about to happen, and we want to prevent that."
Neighbors say they have filed complaints through 311 and have repeatedly raised concerns with city officials and local police commanders. Some residents contend that the 75th Precinct is stretched too thin to adequately patrol the area.
"They all say that the precinct is so big and they don't have enough manpower,” Bly said. "If they actually came up here, we would have less problems. But they don't. And when they do come, it's like four or five hours too late."
In response to News 12, an NYPD spokesperson said the department is taking steps to address community concerns.
"The NYPD understands the community's concern and is receptive to their recommendations," the spokesperson said. "As a result, the 75 Precinct will have a dedicated car to patrol the upper Highland Boulevard area to address these concerns and conditions."
