Chaos erupts in Queens as vandals target police cars
A mob of vandals attacked three NYPD vehicles—smashing windows, jumping on at least one car, and throwing objects—early Sunday morning during a chaotic car meet-up in Queens, according to police reports and video footage.
The incident took place along Rockaway Boulevard in Ozone Park, a commercial district, as unruly individuals surrounded the responding police vehicles around 1 a.m., law enforcement sources confirmed.
Shocking video captures the mayhem
Footage from the scene shows a group of people leaning against and striking an unmarked police car. One individual climbed onto the vehicle’s hood and forcefully struck the windshield with a traffic cone, causing it to crack. Others followed by jumping on the car and hurling another cone at it before the vehicle, with its sirens blaring, drove away to escape the attack.
Additional footage reveals more perpetrators throwing traffic cones at a marked NYPD cruiser during the altercation.
Police respond to vandalism and arrests follow
The NYPD confirmed that three of its vehicles sustained dents and broken windows. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
“We will not tolerate lawlessness or vandalism aimed at the police,” Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated on X, announcing that “several” arrests had been made for crimes endangering both officers and the community. “Rest assured, we’ll be back soon for the rest of them,” she vowed.
Authorities later arrested three individuals connected to the incident around 3:45 a.m. in the Bronx.
Arrests and charges
Jordi Montesquieu, 23, of Massachusetts, faces multiple charges, including third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree unlawful fleeing of a police officer, and obstructing governmental administration.
Tyler Newman, 18, of New Hampshire, was charged with obstructing governmental administration, while 18-year-old Queens resident Tristian Nandram was arrested for third-degree criminal mischief, obstructing governmental administration, possession of stolen property, and petty larceny. Nandram allegedly stole a bag containing official paperwork from the back of a police vehicle, sources reported.
Search for additional suspects continues
Police are actively searching for more individuals involved in the vandalism and reckless driving that took place from Saturday night into Sunday. The NYPD released images of several suspects, most of whom wore masks, with some donning neon-colored vests.
Political response to rising lawlessness
Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa criticized progressive policies, attributing them to the increasing lawlessness in the city.
“Our officers are the best in the world, but we must let them do their jobs without fear, hesitation, or political interference,” Sliwa posted on X. “We must restore law and order—and a Sliwa Administration will bring back the New York we know and love.”
Authorities continue their investigation and urge anyone with information to come forward as they work to hold all responsible individuals accountable.
