Double stabbing outside Bushwick shelter fuels neighbors’ safety concerns
Exclusive video obtained by News 12 shows the chaotic aftermath of the fight outside the shelter on Chauncey Street.
Two men were hospitalized after a double stabbing outside a men’s transitional shelter in Bushwick Sunday night, as neighbors renewed concerns about safety around the facility.
Exclusive video obtained by News 12 shows the chaotic aftermath of the fight outside the shelter on Chauncey Street.
Police said a 40-year-old man and a 33-year-old man were both stabbed in the stomach during the altercation. Both were taken to the hospital.
A neighbor who asked not to be identified said the victims were his cousins. He claimed the confrontation began after they got into an argument with a man who was harassing a 12-year-old girl.
“It was just crazy, pandemonium,” the neighbor said.
Police arrested two people in connection with the incident - a 27-year-old man and a 40-year-old man who was also stabbed.
According to police arrest records, the 27-year-old man listed the shelter as his home address.
Neighbors told News 12 they have felt less safe since the 142-bed men’s transitional shelter opened about a month ago.
“I come in from work 3 a.m., 4 a.m., 5 a.m. sometimes in the morning, and they are outside," the neighbor said. "A lot of the neighbors say they being chased, harassed."
Community Board 4 meeting minutes show shelter operator Acacia Network said it would conduct community outreach before opening the facility. The board told News 12 it was never notified when the shelter opened and has since received complaints from residents about loitering and security.
“They’re out there 24/7, and they’re drinking and they’re smoking,” another neighbor said.
Ed Lewis Cooper, who moved into the shelter five days ago, said he understands why neighbors are concerned.
“If I was a neighbor, I’d have the same concerns,” Cooper said.
He also said they do have a curfew at 11 p.m. and the shelter provides an important opportunity for people trying to rebuild their lives.
“It’s extremely important for people who are despondent, homeless, that are tired of living their lives the way they’ve been living,” Cooper said.
News 12 reached out to Acacia Network and the city’s Department of Homeless Services about neighbors’ concerns and claims that community outreach never took place and is still waiting for a response.
