The Bronx is bleeding: Gun violence surge in February leads cops to deploy additional resources ahead of reorganization

A surge in gun violence in the Bronx during February has prompted the New York Police Department to deploy additional resources to the borough, even as a major reorganization of the police force is planned for this spring.

Rising Violence in the Bronx

As of February 15th, police sources report a nine-shooting increase in the Bronx compared to the same period last year. This escalation in violence has already resulted in multiple fatalities, including that of 16-year-old Christopher Redding, a promising football player.

A Tragic Loss and Ongoing Investigations

Christopher Redding was fatally shot on February 11th at the corner of Broadway and West 238th Street in Kingsbridge while, according to his former coach Christopher Lopez, defending friends from gunfire. Lopez described Redding’s final act as one of “courage and selflessness,” and a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support his family.

Did You Know? Last year, the Bronx accounted for more than one-third of all shooting incidents and shooting victims citywide.

The violence extends beyond this tragic incident. On February 10th, 41-year-old Adrian Dawodu was fatally shot on the platform of the 170 Street Station during a brawl captured on video. The alleged shooter, 27-year-old Alberto Frias, remains at large after seeking assistance from his girlfriend, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

Further incidents include the death of 26-year-old Amir Ahmad, found with a gunshot wound to the chest on February 13th near Boston Road and an incident on February 16th where a 37-year-old man was shot in the leg and robbed of his gold chain at a gas station on Bartow Avenue. He is expected to survive.

NYPD Response and Reorganization

NYPD data indicated a 26.3% rise in shootings in the Bronx as of February 8th, preceding the recent spate of violence. In response, the NYPD has deployed additional resources to the borough. However, an NYPD spokesperson cautioned against interpreting the data as a definitive trend, stating that six weeks of data is “a statistically short time frame.”

Expert Insight: The NYPD’s planned reorganization, announced by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, suggests a proactive attempt to address long-standing issues of crime in the Bronx by restructuring the borough’s police sections to allow for increased deployment of officers.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has acknowledged the Bronx’s consistently higher crime rate compared to other boroughs, noting that the borough generated nearly one million calls for service last year. She stated the current structure hasn’t kept pace with the demands placed upon it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the increased police presence in the Bronx?

The NYPD deployed additional resources to the Bronx due to a reported increase of nine shootings this month, as of February 15th, compared to the same time last year.

Who is Alberto Frias and why is he being sought by police?

Alberto Frias, 27, is the alleged shooter in the February 10th fatal shooting of Adrian Dawodu at the 170 Street Station. He remains at large after requesting assistance from his girlfriend.

What changes are planned for the NYPD in the Bronx?

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced plans to split the Bronx into two police sections, a move intended to allow for increased deployment of officers and address the borough’s higher crime rate.

As the NYPD responds to this recent surge in violence and prepares for a significant reorganization, what impact will these changes have on the safety and well-being of Bronx residents?