Photo courtesy of Citizens App
Cop recovers, suspects captured in VA
By David Greene
A rookie police officer, with less than a year on the job, was brutally beaten during a robbery in Westchester Square. The two alleged attackers now sit in jail cells waiting to face multiple charges.
According to the NYPD, the incident unfolded at just after 4 a.m. on May 24, in the vicinity of 1473 St. Peters Avenue in the confines of the 45th Precinct.
A police source stated, “Two individuals forced a 27-yearold victim to the ground, striking his face and causing multiple fractures. The individuals proceeded to hold a knife to the victim’s throat before forcibly removing the victim’s wallet and iPhone.”
As one suspect had quickly been identified, the official added, “The depicted individual removed the victim’s registered firearm and fled the location with the second in-
dividual on foot, to parts unknown. EMS transported the victim to a local area hospital in critical condition.”
Police released a photo of suspect # 1, identified as 23-year-old Taveon Hargrove, 23.
On May 26, after visiting police officer Chowdhury Nafees, 27, at his hospital room, Mayor Eric Adams posted on X, “It is despicable that anyone would hurt someone like this, let alone one of our officers in uniform.”
In a second posting, Adams said, “Yesterday, I visited the officer in the hospital where I am grateful to hear that he is in stable condition. My prayers are with him and his loved ones.”
Adams also posted two photos of his visit with the officer, who appeared to display astonishment on his face as he apparently was reacting to the mayor’s visit. A second photo
posted by Adam’s showed him holding the officer’s hand. Adams also posted a photo of the attack taken from surveillance video.
Adams added, “The NYPD has already released information about one of the suspects and we will not rest until both are under arrest.”
On May 28, the NYPD identified the second suspect as Wayne Lucas, 23. After a brief manhunt, on June 4, detectives arrested Wayne Lucas, 23, of Tompkins Avenue on Staten Island who was captured in Virginia. He was charged with the attempted murder of a police officer, attempted robbery, attempted aggravated assault of a police officer and attempted criminal possession of a weapon.
On May 28, @NYC PBA posted on X, “Saluting our injured brother, who left the hospital today after being brutally robbed and assaulted last weekend. Huge thanks to the staff at
Jacobi Medical Center and especially the police officers who rushed to our brother’s aid.”
The NYPD’s Patrolmen's Benevolent Association later posted on X, “We continue to pray for the full recovery of our brother, and we will continue to fight for real change in our justice system that will end the lawless environment on our streets. If an armed, trained police officer is not safe from this kind of attack, no one is.”
On June 5, Taveon Hargrove, 23, of Seward Avenue and Wayne Lucas, 23, of Chesterfield, Virginia were indicted by a grand jury and are facing multiple charges including attempted murder, robbery and assault of a police officer. Hargrove remains held without bail.
Lucas was in custody in Virginia and awaiting extradition. Hargrove’s father Jeffery was also arrested and charged with possession of stolen property after he allegedly used the officer’s
credit card. Jeffery Hargrove was released without bail.
Bronx District Attorney Darcell Clark said of the case, “The defendants allegedly approached the victim to rob him, pushed him to the ground, and when they saw his uniform, they allegedly punched him and stomped on his head. The officer suffered head trauma, fractures to his left orbital bone and right cheekbone, and his face bore a sneaker print—evidence of the defendants’ blatant disregard for a human being.”
According to the NYPD, police officer Nafees joined the department in September 2024, and was a member of the NYPD’s Public Service Area 9 in Flushing, Queens. The officer had so far been credited with 13 misdemeanor and one felony arrest. An online fundraiser for Nafees was set up at FundtheFirst. com where 441 individuals have so far pledged more than $26,000.
Feds break up $66M food stamp skim scam
By Dan Gesslein
The feds busted six people accused of running a $66 million food stamp scam throughout NYC. The defendants are charged with obtaining EBT licenses to phony vendors so they can run food stamp cards through their skimmers for purchases.
One of those charged worked as a fraud monitor for the USDA in the food stamp division, prosecutors said. Officials said the food stamp scam is one of the largest in US history.
The US Attorney for the Southern District announced the unsealing of the indictment. The following people were charged: Michael Kehoe, Mohamad Nawafleh, Omar Alrawashdeh, Gamal Obaid, Emad Alrawashdeh and Arlasa Davis.
Prosecutors said Kehoe lined up a string of stores to bill food stamps with purchases even though these stores were not authorized to do so. According to the indictment, starting in 2019, Davis provided the license numbers of legitimate EBT vendors to Kehoe for these unauthorized stores.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Arlasa Davis, a USDA employee, is alleged to have abused her position and privileged ac-
cess to confidential government databases to assist her co-conspirators in exploiting the SNAP program, driving tens of millions of dollars in fraudulent transactions. This alleged scheme benefited the defendants while undermining critical safeguards designed to ensure that SNAP assistance reaches only eligible families in need. The FBI will never tolerate any individual who exploits federal financial assistance for personal reward.”
Under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients make food purchases using their electronic benefits card in a store’s card reader or skimmer. Each store that accepts SNAP EBT benefits has to be licensed through the USDA.
Prosecutors alleged that Kehoe had a string of 160 unauthorized EBT terminals in stores throughout NYC.
Prosectors further alleged that Davis used her personal cellphone to photograph
handwritten lists of license numbers for legitimate stores. Davis then allegedly emailed these numbers to Nawafleh, Omar Alrawashdeh, Obaid and Emad Alrawashdeh. The men then allegedly used those numbers “to fraudulently obtain EBT terminals for stores that were not authorized by the USDA to process SNAP transactions.”
Prosecutors said Davis received bribes for providing the lists. The bribes were disguised in messages back and forth between Davis and the other men as “birthday gifts” and “flowers.”
Kehoe, 46, of Long Island, New York; Nawafleh, 34, of the Bronx, New York; Omar Alrawashdeh, 37, of the Bronx, New York; Obaid, 39, of the Bronx, New York; Emad Alrawashdeh, 37, of the Bronx, New York; and Davis, 56, of Gardiner, New York, are each charged with one count
of conspiracy to steal government funds and misappropriate USDA benefits, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, one count of theft of government funds, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and one count of misappropriation of USDA benefits, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Davis is additionally charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, one count of bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Nawafleh is additionally charged with one count of failure to appear, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Community Op Ed We outside summer
By Mayor Eric Adams
Despite all the rain we have been getting recently, summer just unofficially began in New York City with Memorial Day.
The days are getting longer and warmer, our beaches are open, and, for the first time in the city’s recorded history, there were no shootings on the Sunday before Memorial Day — further proof that our administration’s approach to keeping New York City the safest big city in America is working.
Last week, we kicked off the “We Outside Summer,” a series of investments, announcements, and programming across the five boroughs to ensure New Yorkers have a safe and fun summer in our parks, playgrounds, and everywhere else outdoors. We’ll continue to roll out announcements throughout the summer, but here’s some of what we announced this past week as we continue to make New York City the best place to raise a family.
We know that as the weather warms, New Yorkers are eager
for more outdoor space. But for too many families, green space is out of reach and too far from their neighborhoods and communities. This is exactly why we kicked off work last week to transform vacant, abandoned lots into parks and put more green-space within walking distance of thousands of additional New Yorkers who don't currently have access to them. We’re starting in East New York and Cypress Hill in Brooklyn, as well as Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, and Corona in Queens, and we will expand from there.
Our “Vacant Lots to Parks” initiative is a great example of government working to cut red tape and think creatively about delivering more green spaces to areas most in need. It also builds on the work our administration has done to expand access to parks. Since taking office, we have added over 86 acres of parkland across New York City, putting tens of thousands of additional New Yorkers within walking distance of a park.
But we’re not stopping there; as part of “We Outside Summer,” we also announced the completion of a $23 million project to transform public spaces and playgrounds at six NYCHA developments. Not only will these new public spaces serve NYCHA residents, they’ll also serve those who live in the neighborhoods around them. All of these projects together have helped increase the total percentage of New Yorkers now within a 10-minute walk of a park to more than 84 precent.
We know we also need to give our young people stimulating activities for the summer months when they are out of school. We need to reach them before they fall into the rivers of violence, because by the time someone has a gun in their hand, it is often too late. That’s why we announced $13 million in permanent funding
to support at-risk youth, justice-involved New Yorkers, and people living in neighborhoods with high rates of violence. And for the second straight summer, we are investing $2 million to offer extended hours at select Beacon, Cornerstone, and Saturday Night Lights programs, especially in NYPD precincts with the highest levels of gun violence. These programs give our kids a safe place to gather and thrive.
We are additionally ensuring our young people have onramps to success right from the start through our Summer Rising program that has supported a record 100,000 summer job opportunities annually for young people. We know that if we invest in our young people during the summer months and give them alternatives, we can keep them safe and on the right path.
Finally, we are making the world’s most iconic green space even safer! Central Park is New York City’s backyard but issues like illegal vending, overflowing trash, excessive noise, substance use, and more have persisted for far too long, and they often spike in the summer months and need to be addressed. This past week, we announced the “Central Park Community Link,” a multi-agency response aimed at addressing public safety and improving the quality of life in and around Central Park.
We know that New Yorkers and tourists are fed up with quality-of-life concerns, and I want to be clear, our administration does not tolerate an atmosphere where anything goes. We prioritize working hand-inhand with communities to keep our neighborhoods safe, clean, and comfortable so that you can enjoy summer in the greatest city in the world. This is just the start of the “We Outside Summer,” and as the weather heats up, we’ll keep sharing more ways we’re working to deliver a safe and fun summer for all.
Health Matters Hope in every step: Building a future for LGBTQIA+ youth
By Melinda Wong, Safe Pathways Program Coordinator, VNS Health
PRIDE Month is a time to break down barriers and celebrate the unique qualities that make each person special and one-of-a-kind, regardless of their sexual or gender identity. But for many LGBTQIA+ youth, this celebration can feel out of reach.
Discrimination, bullying, family rejection, and limited access to care still prevent many young people from living with authenticity—and, yes, PRIDE. The impact is profound: LGBTQIA+ youth have
significantly higher rates of attempted suicide compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. In New York City alone, the Department of Health found that 32% of youth who have been bullied due to their
identity have attempted suicide.
These statistics are painfully sobering, and no young person should have to carry this burden alone. Fortunately, support is available. For more and more young New Yorkers and their families, the Safe Pathways program from community health nonprofit VNS Health has become a true beacon of hope.
The Safe Pathways program provides direct services to New York City
residents aged 10 to 24 identified as being at risk of suicide, with a particular focus on people of color and LGBTQIA+ youth. As Emma Adler, a youth peer advocate with Safe Pathways, explains, “Young people often feel invisible. It’s powerful for them to connect with someone with shared experience who understands—someone who can say, ‘I’ve been there too.’”
Emma works one-on-one with youth who are at risk
or experiencing suicidal ideation, to validate their feelings, share her own experiences, and show them that healing is possible. Whether their issues involve suicidal thoughts, depression, or anxiety, peer specialists and youth advocates like Emma are there to tell them, as she puts it, “You're not alone. I know in my own way what it's like to feel, think, and live these things, and the coping skills we're practicing together
Lincoln Hospital holds baby shower for 75 expectant moms
NYC Health + Hospital/ Lincoln's caring staff organized a beautiful baby shower to honor their patients who are parents-to-be.
It was a day filled with joy, community, and lovely gifts for the growing families. Over 75 expectant moms attended the event.
Thanks to donations from
generous partners, including MetroPlus and the Ronald McDonald House NY, several raffles were held for items including cribs, pack n plays, diapers and every patient left with a gift.
Hope in every step: Building a future for LGBTQIA+ youth
are ones I've found helpful on my own path to wellness and healing.”
In many cases, traditional support systems may be absent—especially for transgender youth or those whose families hold stigmatizing beliefs. That’s why creating safe, affirming spaces for these young people is essential. An accepting environment helps them build coping skills, find community, and embrace their identities on their own terms.
“It’s okay to feel alone sometimes,” says Estela Lopez, a Behavioral Health Counselor with the program. “But connection is a
basic human need. Everyone needs and deserves support.”
Estela emphasizes that community can be found in many places—not just identity-based groups, but also through shared interests like running clubs or art classes. These spaces offer acceptance and help youth explore who they are and who they want to become.
In addition to direct support for youth—including workshops, counseling, on-call services, and mental health apps—Safe Pathways also partners with families, educators, mentors, and community organizations to create a broader
network of care.
For families and friends, even those who are supportive, knowing the best way to help a loved one can be challenging. “Even if it’s scary, it’s important to check in and offer help in whatever way you can to youth who are struggling,” says Emma. “When you know what brings them joy, remind them of those things.”
Estela adds that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health—it’s about meeting each person where they are and making them feel safe and seen. With easy-to-use tools like our SHARPEN app, youth, as
well as parents, teachers, mentors and others in a young person’s life, can access guidance and resources for understanding and supporting youth who are struggling.
With the right support, young people can discover a resilience they didn’t know they had. Courage sometimes means being open to trying activities outside of your comfort zone, and working to find the help you need—something we see often with the young people we serve.
Estela notes that once clients take the first step and join Safe Pathways, they become deeply committed
to healing, building connections, and using the resources available to them.
Most importantly, programs like Safe Pathways— and the many organizations in our coalition—are here to walk alongside young people every step of the way. As Emma puts it, “Just by showing up, we let them know there are people out there who not only accept them, but will fight for their right to be who they truly are.”
For more information on Safe Pathways, call 718840-4899. To learn about Behavioral Health programs and services from VNS Health, go to vnshealth.org.
Boat cap arrested after 22 rescued from blazing boat off City Island
By David Greene
A fire broke out in the engine compartment of a charter boat in the Long Island Sound, off the coast of Heart Island, officials said.
According to an FDNY official, the boat fire was reported at 7:59 p.m. when FDNY Marine units, land units were called to City Island which was shut down to all non-residents. FDNY rescue units as well as its Robotics Unit joined their NYPD and Coast Guard counterparts.
An FDNY official stated that three people were pulled from the water. Of the 22 patients, two refused medical treatment, one was in critical condition at Jacobi Hospital and 19 others were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
FDNY Assistant Chief Michael Meyers said after the incident, “Three people were plucked out of the water,” noting that one patient was “red tag,” as according to FDNY radio transmissions, that victim was transported with CPR in progress.
Meyers said that the 19 additional victims all swam to the east end of Heart Island and were transported by FDNY, NYPD and US Coast
Guard Marine units to City Island.
Meyers said, “It just goes to show you what a coordinated effort happens between our ma-
rine units, our land units and our EMS units to get here to help save lives.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Passengers move to the top of the ship as fire broke out in the engine compartment off the coast of Heart Island on June 9
Photo courtesy of Citizens App
Culinary Road
By Morris Gut
Foodie road trips for tasty summer drives
The summer season has officially started. Time to plan some road trips with good food in mind. Here are some suggestions within a 20-mile radius of the Bronx…
ADRIATIC AT DUBROVNIK
Founded by Jerry Tomic some 12 years ago, Dubrovnik has evolved into a dynamic Michelin-recognized restaurant. Westchester’s first restaurant devoted to the cuisine of Croatia, a multi-level 85-seat establishment with a lovely seasonal outdoor patio, state of the art temperature-controlled wine cellar, al fresco wood fire rotisserie BBQ, and lush seasonal al fresco garden. Talented chefs man the kitchen and they will transport you to the beautiful Adriatic in flavorful style. Seafood is a specialty. Octopus Salad, Adriatic Cuttlefish Risotto, Whole Mediterranean Branzino, Seafood & Saffron Pasta, Roasted Cornish Hen. Happy hours: 3-6 pm. Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New Rochelle. 914637-3777 www.dubrovnikny. com
ROBUST ITALIAN OUT OF A DINER AT TRATTORIA VIVOLO!
Chef-owner and personable host Dean Vivolo serves his robust regional Italian cuisine out of a vintage diner just across from Harrison's Metro-North station. Sit at the counter, tuck into a booth, or take a table in the rear greenhouse and enjoy the surprising contemporary and traditional flavors emanating from his
kitchen: tasty thin-crusted pizza; Crostino di Polenta topped with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and tomato sauce; Grilled Lamb Chops; Braised Lamb Shanks; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; and wonderful Linguine alle Vongole. Fine wine list. Sparkling lights in the evenings. The outdoor patio is now open. Free parking. Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-8356199 www.trattoriavivolo. com
SOUTHERN COMFORT AT FREEBIRD KITCHEN & BAR!
Seasoned proprietor Nick Fusco serves tasty versions of Fried Calamari, meaty Baby Back Ribs, Cobb Salad, spicy Chicken Wings, crispy Brussels Sprouts, Shrimp & Grits, Braised Short Ribs, and a great Pimento Cheeseburger. The cooking here is very satisfying, and all done with a friendly Southern theme. Portions are ample and shareable. The lighting and those artsy birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room give it a magical atmosphere. There is a seasonal rooftop lounge for drinks and dining. Sprawling bar. Craft beers. Happy hours: Tues.-Thurs. 4-6pm; Fri. 2-6 p.m. Weekend Brunch. Closed Mondays. Live music jams on Friday & Sunday evenings. Freebird Kitchen, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-607-2476 www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com
LATIN SPIRITS AND CUISINE AT EL PRIMO
Dynamic host and co-owner Daniel Cahill along with partners Rory Dolan and Declan Rainsford have created a hotspot focusing on elevated Latin American cuisine.
There’s a long sparkling Agave bar and curved banquets and high tops that lead to a semi-private dining room in the rear. Soft inviting colors throughout. Enjoy a curated Agave cocktail flight. Extraordinary flavors coming out of this kitchen include beautifully plated Mole Enchiladas, Al Pastor Tacos, Vegan Sabina Quesadilla, and Grilled Shrimp Tostada. New al fresco Tiki Bar. Open 7 days from noon to 2 a.m. Happy hours. El Primo, 166B Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-8610400 www.elprimowp.com
DECADENT BURRATA
BURGER AT BIA
One of the most exciting restaurant openings of the past year, Simi and Miranda Polozani and their team have been showing off their skills at flashy Bia American Kitchen & Bar at Chappaqua Crossing. Chef William Deluca’s global menu has been surprising all comer_+s including us. Our recent indulgences here included their signature Burrata Burger with baby arugula, roasted peppers, crispy burrata and balsamic, a big bowl of Southwest Chicken Salad with Cajun chicken, mixed greens, corn, red onions, avocado, black beans, roasted peppers, tortilla chips, cheddar and boom boom dressing, and Harissa Steamed Mussels. Delicious and satisfying. I admit I was especially smitten with their classic Grand Marnier Souffle for dessert. Every spoonful fluffy, decadent and delightful. The artsy dramatically designed 220-seat space has two dining rooms, a party/ catering area and sweeping
contemporary bar and lounge. Bia, 480 North Bedford Road, at Chappaqua Crossing, Chappaqua. Open daily from noon to 10 p.m. 914-8550123 www.biaamericankitchen.com
IRISH AMERICAN WITH PIZZAZZ AT JACK’S BAR & KITCHEN
Their Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich is a winner. Owner Shane Clifford and his staff have been drawing a fine crowd. Jack’s offers an enhanced Irish/American tavern menu on steroids. The best way to describe it. Generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohoe’s kitchen include decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Lamb Lollipops; Burrata Pizza out of their woodfired oven; Guinness braised Short Ribs; Woodfired Pizzas and big juicy Burgers. Check out their decadent Grilled Cheese Menu. The staff could not be more friendly. Open daily. Weekend brunch. TVs. Municipal parking; free evenings. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com
TECHNICOLOR LOVE AT JILL’S
Partners Ro Flanagan, Shane Clifford and Chef Brendan Donohue, propri-
etors of popular Jack’s Bar & Kitchen, a popular Irish American tavern in Eastchester, have premiered Jill’s Bar & Restaurant in Mamaroneck, across from Harbor Island Park. Jill’s, a colorful ode to modern Ireland, serves a winning combination of gastropub favorites and modern-American and European specialties along with a good dose of hospitality. The Fried Chicken Sandwich is a winner.
There’s also Truffle Parm Fries, Chili Roasted Cauliflower, Lobster Cobb Salad, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Ahi Tuna Bowl, and Surf & Turf Tacos.
Jill’s,100 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, off the corner of Mamaroneck Ave. Happy Hours. Weekend brunch. Closed Mondays. 914-341-1776 www.jillsbarandrestaurant.com
(Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for over 30 years. He may be reached at: 914235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)
Chicken and waffles with fried pickles at Freebird Kitchen.
