New York residents may be pleased to know that the crime rate in the United States has fallen dramatically in the last 25 years or so. According to an FBI survey of 18,000 jurisdictions, the number of serious crimes reported to police has dropped by half between 1993 and 2015. However, the FBI did report a 3 percent increase from 2014 to 2015, and another increase may be reported when 2016 data is released.
A New York man who was accused of murdering two former colleagues in cold blood was indicted on murder charges on Feb. 22. The man, age 32, had worked at the same loan business as the former colleagues until he left after a reportedly bitter dispute.
On Feb. 6, it was reported that a New York man was charged in the death of a 30-year-old woman. The 20-year-old man was accused of strangling the woman as she was out jogging.
You’re young and opinionated, and you’re having drinks out with friends. Something you say catches the attention of a man further down the bar. Now, he wants to start yelling at you about how wrong you are and how he’d like to punch you. Not long after that, you’re in a full-blown bar fight.
New York NFL fans may be interested to learn on Dec. 20, it was reported that former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez was identified as the person involved in the killing of two men. The survivor who identified the former player was reportedly riding in the back seat of the vehicle where the deaths occurred.
On Oct. 4, New York prosecutors announced that two men would face criminal charges for a home explosion that killed a Bronx firefighter. The men will likely face first-degree assault charges for the death of a 44-year-old firefighter and second-degree assault charges for injuring a lieutenant. Prosecutors said that the men will not at this time be charged with murder or manslaughter, but that could change as the investigation develops.
You could be accused of assault for a number of different reasons, and if you’re convicted, you might face severe penalties. Fights where you were acting in self-defense may be improperly portrayed to make it seem like you were in the wrong. Incidents you assumed were minor, such as heated arguments with family members or altercations that occurred while you were intoxicated, could lead to formal charges.
If you’ve ever seen a police procedural drama, you have almost certainly heard the following speech: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can, and will, be used against you in court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you.”
A new strategy unveiled by New York City police on March 2 aims to increase security on the city’s subways. This is in response to a reported increase in stabbings and slashings throughout the area. An increased presence is expected throughout the subway system as well as the Times Square subway station where 60 officers will be present. Although there won’t be an officer on every train, there will be an officer at most stations.
On Feb. 29, a Brooklyn commuter was injured on a subway platform after attempting to arouse another person in what news sources are calling an “odd incident.” According to reports, the alleged altercation took place in the Classon Ave. station on the G line at approximately 3:15 a.m. It was one of a series of incidents involving slashing or stabbing that have been ongoing throughout New York City.