Violent street crime hit very close to home last week when longtime Kings County Politics (KCP) Op-Ed Writer Joe Gonzalez was the victim of an attack and beating on a busy Brooklyn street yesterday.
At about 12 noon, Thursday, Sept. 3, Gonzalez was walking eastbound along the north side of Atlantic Avenue just past the northeast corner of Nostrand Avenue when he happened into a well-known drug-prone location and high crime environs. He saw two persons sticking needles in their arms shooting up drugs near neighborhood children.
Gonzalez told the KCP that he pulled out his cell phone and began videotaping the sordid scene. The drug users were so busy they did not immediately see Gonzalez’ presence.
At one point one drug user looked up and saw that he was being videotaped. He screamed and drew the attention of the second drug user to Joe’s nearby presence. That person then turned and punched Joe in the face knocking him down and then things turned worse as that man lunged forward and twice tried to stab Joe with the needle.
Luckily, Gonzalez was able to escape without further injury. The two drug users bolted to parts unknown. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) arrived, took a report and the matter remains under criminal investigation. Anyone who recognizes the attacker is asked to contact NYPD Crimestoppers: 1-800-577-TIPS.
#YourCityYourCall: Help us identify this individual wanted for ASSAULT that occurred on Atlantic Ave and Nostrand Ave #BedStuy #Brooklyn. This person also did attempt to strike the victim with a hypodermic needle. If you have any info please call 1-800-577-Tips or DM @NYPDTips. pic.twitter.com/h6VAe6kUMI
— NYPD 79th Precinct (@NYPD79Pct) September 4, 2020
City Councilmember Robert E. Cornegy Jr. (D-Bed-Stuy, Northern Crown Heights) told the KCP through Gonzalez that he was shocked and saddened by the assault.
“I would caution everyone to exercise great care about confronting street people about their drug usage anywhere and to allow the NYPD to handle these incidents,” said Cornegy, adding that his office is well-aware that the intersection of Atlantic and Nostrand Avenue is a well known open-air drug market and he is working with law enforcement to address the matter.
The Rev. W. Taharka Robinson, President of the Brooklyn Anti-Violence Coalition (BAVC) told the KCP through Gonzalez that he was shocked by the assault but not surprised.
“We just took a murder around the corner at Nostrand Avenue and Herkimer Place at 566 Nostrand Avenue back in March 2020,” Rev. Robinson said, adding the area in question has been the site of many assaults, robberies and property damage.
