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Real Men Love Cats: Meet Mario
Filed under: 11211, 11249, Criminal Activity, Stuff The Makes Heather Sad, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Just over a month ago I posted an item noting the destruction, rendered with extreme prejudice, of the feral cat condo complex on Metropolitan Avenue (as seen at left). Those of you who are not in the know can see the aftermath for yourselves by clicking here.
I have frequently wondered exactly what happened. Well, as it would happen I recently met the fellow who oversees this colony. He calls himself Super Mario and he had quite a tail tale to tell. You see, Mario tends a number of feral colonies hereabouts. He has done so for a long time and feeds no less than 76 cats (!) daily. Despite his slightly intimidating physical presence one can clearly see Mario loves the critters under his care. And anyone who loves cats, well, is a friend of mine.
Hence why I am writing this post.
Mario has names for all the kitties under his care. Without argument the “queen” of the colony is a lass named Spotty.
Her “boyfriend”, as Mario explained to me, is this formidable fellow whose name I do not recall.
Mario told me he is, at seven years of age, among the older inhabitants of this pride. As such he generally stays close to “home” and spends his golden years lounging in the sun and napping.
After I took the above photo a chap sporting a black and white tuxedo coat slipped by. He had neither the time nor the desire for my photo-taking. He was hungry! Mario explained to me his “girlfriend” seems to have gone missing. However, he was sporting some scratches on his paw (which Mario is tending), so this might be due to feline fisticuffs over her affections. Such is the world of cats.
When I asked Mario what happened to the colony last month, he explained to me that there is a fellow thereabouts who dislikes cats. So much so, he saw fit to not only render their home into rubbish.
…but took the added measure of throwing some of it over the fence of an adjacent lot for good measure. What’s more, once the colony was moved onto the premises in question he saw fit to enter and destroy that as well. So now the gate is padlocked. I know what you’re thinking, gentle readers:
Did Mario contact the police?
Answer: yes. As Mario explained to me they explained to him that they could not do anything because (and I quote) “the man is crazy”. That may very well be. However, trespassing and destruction of property do strike me as being criminal acts and therefore a police matter.
In closing, those of you who happen to reside near this facility please help keep an eye on it. If you see something suspicious, say something! Ultimately it is up to us humans to advocate for the welfare of Spotty and her furry friends. They do not have the ability to blog much less call 311.
P.S.: It should be noted that Mario created a memorial for the feral furkids who died during the demolition of Monster Island. This too was destroyed. Mario has informed me he will be replacing it. I have asked him to contact me when he does.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Saw Something, Said Something
A person we’ll call “X” writes today at 6:09 p.m.:
Hi Miss Heather. I am a lurker on New York Shitty and I pay special attention to your posts about crimes in the area.
I was jogging near the Williamsburg Bridge today and I spotted this guy:
http://www.newyorkshitty.com/williamsburg/95049#respond
He was unmistakable. I remembered him from your post a few weeks back. The yellow bike with the blue seat was the first thing I noticed. I trailed him for a little while and watched him pull on doors, checking if they were open. We made eye contact and that’s when I stopped and called the police.
I met with the police and showed them the guy’s picture and the posting and then I kept on running. Hope they get this punk today!
First off I want to thank X for contacting the police. Well done! Although I sincerely hope he/she made a spot-on identification and the police caught this fellow, the fact of the matter is someone trying doors (so as to find one which is unlocked) is bad news. I have said it before and I’ll say it again: please, please make sure your front doors are locked/secured. Do not simply “buzz” people into your building without discerning who he/she is— or better yet: meet/greet anyone desiring access to your building in person. Ask questions. If you see anything amiss, say something to the police. STAT.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Witnesses/Help Wanted
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Stuff The Makes Heather Sad, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Yours truly has received all manner and variety of correspondence over the years. Some are humorous. Some downright belligerent. But the following will unfortunately be the most memorable. A fellow hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Larry, writes (in an email entitled “August 2nd blog and photo of pedestrian struck on humboldt and metropolitan“):
Dear Miss Heather,
Hopefully you can help??
My wife, Heather along with myself and our 2 children were very close with the individual that was struck by the livery car that fateful night.(August 1st, 2012) The victim of this horrible hit and run, was a young man from our hometown of East Grand Rapids, Michigan.
His name was Leighton Parnham. He was only 19 years old and as a result of this (my opinion) vehicular homicide, passed away at Bellvue Hospital on August 7th 2012. If you would like to learn about this fun loving young man, visit this link:
http://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/grandrapids/obituary.aspx?pid=159143187
or
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/08/east_grand_rapids_high_grad_ki.html
The family is destroyed.
I am also a retired police officer and evidence technician from the suburbs of Chicago.
It seems the police have no interest in this homicide, which according to NY VTL section 10, leaving the scene of a traffic accident, resulting in death, is a class D felony.
We are tying to obtain the truth into what happened and any help you can provide would be great. i.e. person T, who originally posted this and what seems is a photo from their window overlooking the scene, any witnesses from Legion Bar that night…
I understand the driver of the livery car left the scene and was stopped by police with a smashed windshield and front end damage, but, was not arrested or even ticketed…
I have spent a significant amount of time today corresponding with Larry and Heather. They, in turn, have been corresponding with Leighton’s father (who, you can imagine, is devastated). The latter has given me permission to get the word out about this— one of many “accidents” hereabouts involving livery cabs, I’ll add— in the hope someone who witnessed this “hit and run” will step forward and speak up. To Heather (Larry’s wife) via email at: H_shortt (at) yahoo (dot) com.
Losing a child is quite frankly beyond my comprehension. I cannot imagine the pain Leighton’s family and friends have experienced and are presently experiencing. Nonetheless, we are in a position to help them get some semblance of “closure”. Finding out what actually what happened is a vital first step. Please help spread the word, north Brooklynites. Thanks.
Photo Credit: Screencap of Leighton Parnham comes via MLive.
Four Accidents In As Many Weeks?
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
If what I have heard (via the North Brooklyn Community Facebook Group) this appears to be the case. Apparently a young man (purported to be of 16 years of age) riding a bicycle was struck by a livery cab at the intersection of Graham Avenue and Bayard Street (as indicated by the number “4” on the above map) around 11:00 p.m. The Fire Department and EMTs were on the scene immediately and he wqas taken to the hospital. As of 11:30 p.m. the police had yet to arrive.
This is all I know presently. However, I have inquired of the Head of the 94th Precinct as to exactly what happened— if this youth is okay (given the circumstances— and this is my primary concern). When I hear something, I’ll add it here. In closing this makes four accidents in a very small area in as many weeks. Three involved livery cabs. Three involved Graham Avenue. (You can read about the other three accidents as annotated on the above map by clicking here, here and here.) WTF??? Seriously.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Pedestrian Struck?
Filed under: 11211, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
A person we’ll call “T” writes today, August 2nd, 2012:
Hi Heather. Do you know where to find a police blotter for S. Williamsburg? Last night, at around midnight, a livery cab hit a pedestrian. Right in front of Legion, Metropolitan & Humboldt. I live across the street and heard the impact. He didn’t move at all (and I thought he was dead) but when the ambulance showed up 5 mins later and he was loaded on the gurney, he woke up and started screaming. I’d like to know if he’s OK and what happened. It sounds like the cab blew the light and nailed him in the crosswalk (I overheard the Legion witnesses giving statements to the police.)
Per “T” the victim was only 3-4 feet from the curb (using the crosswalk) and was thrown into oncoming traffic— on his face, no less— upon impact. This sounds really bad folks. I suspect I speak on the behalf of everyone reading this when I write that my heartfelt support goes to his family and loved ones and I hope he makes a full recovery.
I have contacted our wonderful 50th District Democratic Leader, Lincoln Restler, and am pleased to announce he is looking into what happened. If/when I hear something, I’ll share it here. In closing, I’d like to note this makes the third accident hereabouts in as many weeks. It is the second involving a livery cab. At what point are the powers-that-be going to acknowledge that we have a problem?
UPDATE, 10:21 p.m.: I have been told by an unidentified (but reliable) source that the individual struck was riding a skateboard the wrong way down Humboldt Street and, as a result, was struck by a livery cab. He was (obviously) injured, but survived. That’s good news if you ask me. Whether or not the livery cab was, in fact, running a red light (as alleged) has yet to be determined.
New York Shitty Day Ender: From The Joint 90th/94th Precinct Meeting
Filed under: 11211, Criminal Activity, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
I attended this evening’s gathering and am currently in the process of uploading footage. It goes without saying I will be sharing this— along with a general outline of said proceedings— on this site. In the interim, however, I want to pass along this flier they have created of the suspect wanted regarding the sexual assault which came to pass on Maspeth Avenue in the wee hours of New Year’s Day. Those of you who wish to do so can download a printable version of this for distribution and/or posting by clicking here.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: A Message From Deputy Inspector Hurson of the 94th Precinct
Filed under: 11211, Criminal Activity, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
As many of you are aware, a sexual assault came to pass on Maspeth Avenue on New Year’s Day. I have many questions about this incredibly upsetting turn of events. I imagine many of you, dear readers, do as well. Well, I have just been informed a public forum will be held on the subject of recent criminal trends— including this incident. D.I. Hurson writes:
Heather if you could get the word out we are having this meeting to clear up misconception about some issues.
The 94th Precinct along with the 90th Precinct will be holding a joint public safety meeting on Wednesday January 18th at 7:00pm. This meeting will take place at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church 275 North 8th Street C/O Havemeyer Street. At this event we will also discuss recent crime trends that are affecting the neighborhoods that are covered by the two Precincts. Including the Sexual Assault that occurred on January 1, 2012.
Done!
Joint Public Meeting of the 90th & 94th Precinct
January 18, 2012 starting at 7:00 p.m.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
275 North 8th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11211
Mark your calendars, north Brooklynites.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Robbed On Powers Street In Broad Daylight
This disturbing but fortunately non-violent incident comes courtesy of a person we’ll call “B”. He writes:
Hey Miss Heather
Turns out I am the second victim in two days of a thief on a bike stealing iPhones right out of peoples hands!!!! I chased this guy down leonard, where he zipped across grand, and slowed down enough to get onto the sidewalk and ride down grand and disappeared when he went left onto lorimerNow, the whole time I’m screaming stop him stop him, he stole my phone. everyone in front of the williamsburg country club and that bike shop next to it stood there and did NOTHING! when I finally collapsed from sprinting, a nice woman let me call from her cell.Cops are eager to bust this guy. They drove me around looking and then the detectives too. At the end of the day, it’s not about the hunk of plastic, it’s about getting jacked while walking down the street. Update to readers!!! Don’t text while you walk alone. STAY ALERT. Cops say this is happening too frequently. The thieves then sell the phones to the Domincan Republic.*BIGGEST PART OF IT!* FINDMYIPHONE APP is garbage! Once they have your phone they go to settings and turn it off. It doesn’t ask for the password when you disable the function. ATTWS was no help and they sent me to apple. EVEN THE COPS WERE PUT ON HOLD!whatever, still amped from the experience. Just a warning that it’s still shady out there.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: A Very Special Burglary
Filed under: 11211, Criminal Activity, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
A lady we’ll call “L” writes:
Hi Heather,
I live on Humboldt and Grand, and my apt was just burglarized on Tuesday during the day. I dunno if it is related to this: http://www.newyorkshitty.com/williamsburg/?p=66597 – but thought it could be possible since it’s right down the street. Whoever broke into my place got away with my stuff though— including my 32” TV, 2 computers, and a whole bag of lingerie I’d just received as a bachelorette party gift!
Before I proceed I want to say I am very relived this woman was not home when this break-in came to pass. She is safe and sound. The previous having been written; a 32 inch television, two computers and lingerie? In the words of Major “King” Kong in Dr. Strangelove:
Shoot, a fella could have a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: An Assault/Attempted Robbery On Montrose Avenue
Filed under: 11206, Bushwick, Bushwick Brooklyn, Criminal Activity, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn
I have refrained from posting this item until I had all the facts. Now that I have them I will pass them along here. On Thursday, July 28, at 9:00 p.m. a young woman was assaulted after entering her apartment building on Montrose Avenue.* The assailant, who wore a red bandanna to conceal his face, wrestled her to the floor. While her companions watched he attempted to use a box cutter to cut the strap of her purse. She had the presence of mind to (as it was described to me) “scream bloody murder”. Luckily, this was enough to scare him. He fled the building and rode off on a bicycle. A police report has been filed.
It was posited to me by my tipster that this man managed to gain entrance to the building because both doors gracing the entrance were left open. Please, PLEASE let this be a warning to all reading this tome to exercise additional vigilance when exiting and entering your homes. Do not simply “buzz” people into your building. Demand that all visitors identify themselves or better yet: go to the front door in person and let people in.
For all intents and purposes Montrose Avenue is a highly trafficked and pretty safe street. If this can happen there (a stone’s throw from the 90th Precinct, I’ll add) it can happen anywhere. Stay safe, folks!
Miss Heather
*I will not give a specific address, but it was in the 100’s.
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