Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Biker Battles

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Biker Battles: Cops involved in another controversial chase of dirt biker rider leaving 1 injured     By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, March 27- ...

Biker Battles

Cops involved in another controversial chase of dirt biker rider leaving 1 injured

 

 

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, March 27- An elderly man crossing the street and an illegal dirt bike rider are recovering, after witnesses say an NYPD cruiser caused the crash.

According to police, the 77-year-old pedestrian was crossing Boston Road at Thwaites Place in the Bronxwood section at just before 5 p.m., on March 24, when he was struck by a still-unidentified 20-year-old illegal dirt bike rider, traveling southbound on Boston Road.

 

Witnesses and police have stated that the African-American dirt bike rider suffered a serious head injury and was bleeding from his noise. The elderly white male was reported to be face down in the roadway, the bike reportedly slammed into his legs.

On witnesses recalled, "He hit the old man that was crossing and the guy on the motorcycle was driving against the light. The guy on the motorcycle was with a group of more than 20."

 

Some witnesses have estimated the caravan of illegal dirt bikes, three-wheelers and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) was as many as 50, as the victim was crossing with the light, when he was rundown outside of the Steven Restaurant.

 

"The police were after them," the witness claimed, when the police cruiser from the 49th Precinct allegedly bumped the bike just before the intersection, causing the chain reaction crash.

 

One employee at the C-Town across the street, offered, “Customers were saying that the cop car hit the motorcycle and it crashed into the man.”

 

The police department has so far discounted claims that a police cruiser caused the crash and have stated the cruiser was making a U-turn when the motorcyclist lost control.

 

The officer behind the wheel of the police vehicle closest to the dirt bike was briefly questioned by a detective and a Highway Patrol investigator.

Both victims were reported at Jacobi Hospital in serious, but stable condition. One published report stated the bike rider was in police custody, and so far has not been charged.

Another witness said of the group of riders, "They saw their friend get hit and was on the floor, but they kept going."

 

The accident comes as biker Alberto Gonzalez is currently on trial regarding a similar incident back on August 11, in Hunts Point, where he faces resisting arrest and reckless endangerment charges.

 

Video released on March 24, clearly shows an NYPD cruiser from the 41st Precinct, striking the bike. That crash claimed the life of building superintendent Eddie Fernandez, 28, who was thrown into a pole.

 

On October 27, Ronald Herrera, 20, died and a passenger was seriously injured during a chase with a police cruiser along Walton Avenue.

 

Once again, the NYPD stated that the cruiser did not cause the crash, witnesses say the cruiser bumped the dirt bike.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bronxites have high hopes for new Pope

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bronxites have high hopes for new Pope: Early into his Papacy, Pope Francis is already setting an exciting tone and direction for the Catholic Church. Officials from Fordham Un...

Bronxites have high hopes for new Pope

Early into his Papacy, Pope Francis is already setting an exciting tone and direction for the Catholic Church. Officials from Fordham University weighed in on his historic election and what’s to come.

"It has been a truly historic day for the Society of Jesus as we learned that our brother, Cardinal Jorge Maria Bergoglio, was selected to lead the Catholic Church as Pope Francis I,” said Rev. Gregory F. Lucey, S.J. President, AJCU. “As Jesuits, we emphasize social justice in our ministry, and we are gratified to have a leader who will continue to live out this mission on a global stage. We pray that the Pope's grounding in Ignatian spirituality will guide him as he carries out this extraordinary calling to lead the Church of the 21st century."

 

“With the 266^th successor to St. Peter now in place in Rome, Pope Francis has already stirred the minds of hearts of people throughout the world,” said Msgr. Joseph G. Quinn, J.D., J.C.L. Vice President, University Mission and Ministry Fordham University. “He is seen as a genuinely humble and holy man of God very much grounded in his spiritual formation and training as a Jesuit. We can only hope and pray that he remains the needed prophetic voice within our midst calling us all to truly live our lives in ever greater imitation of Christ.”

 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. issued the following statement in reaction to the selection of Pope Francis I:

 

“This is an incredible moment. The Catholic Church has selected Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires to serve as its new pope, Pope Francis I, thus bringing the world the first ever pope of Latin-American heritage.

 

“The Catholic Church plays an important role in the social and civic fabric of the Bronx and New York City, and today I congratulate the borough’s, and in fact the world’s, Catholic community on this history-making decision.”

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham in Sweet Sixteen

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham in Sweet Sixteen: Rams Score First Post-Season Victory Since 1980 (Photo by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NY, March 25, 2013- The slogan “Tradition ...

Fordham in Sweet Sixteen

Rams Score First Post-Season Victory Since 1980

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NY, March 25, 2013- The slogan “Tradition begins now” adopted by the women’s basketball program at Fordham University (26-8) at the start of this season has proven to be quite prophetic. The Rams, after 16 consecutive losing seasons, have compiled the second highest total of victories, 26, in the history of the program.

Its list of successes this year is unique since the university joined the Atlantic-10 conference in 1995. Veteran coach Stephanie Gaitley, in only her second year at the helm of the team, has created a culture of success under a leadership of decency that hopefully will set a tone that will be followed in the future.

Its season of achievement has led the Rams to be invited to a post-season tournament for the first time since 1995. One day after being denied an automatic entrance to the NCAA Women’s National Tournament by a one point loss, 47-46, to St. Joseph’s in the final of the Atlantic-10 Championship, the Rams were one of 64 invitees to the WNIT.

In the first round on March 20, the Rams hosted Army (22-7) at the Rose Hill Gym on Fordham’s Bronx campus. The Black Knights received an automatic berth as they were the regular season champions of the Patriot League.

Both teams started slowly and missed most early shots, perhaps because of nerves or effective defense. The two were highly ranked this season nationally for their scoring defense; Army ranked 7^th in the nation and Fordham ranked 16^th as the stingiest in surrendering points.

The Black Knights were the first to reach double digits as a three by Jen Hazlett gave them an 11-6 advantage at 13:09. A basket by sensational freshman Kelsey Minato raised Army’s lead to a game high six, 15-9. The Rams then awoke and scored 15 unanswered points to take their game high advantage, 24-15 with 2:34 left in the first half.

On a 9-2 scoring run, Army knotted the score at 26 with 15:40 remaining in the contest. After a third tie at 28, the Rams led through the remainder of the second half. The action was intense and physical as each team made a supreme effort to gain the victory. Fordham treated its fans to a joyous experience by earning a 55-46 victory.

The Fordham starters, with the exception of freshman Samantha Clarke who sat out much of the game, contributed mightily to the win. Abigail Corning achieved a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Graduating players Marah Strickland (15) and Arielle Collins (14) netted double digits. Erin Rooney fell short of double figures but led the team with six assists and showed her defensive capabilities with four steals. Gaitley said of Rooney’s contribution, “With Erin, there was a lot of residue from Saturday’s game. It’s a testament to her.”

Minato, Patriot League Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, played outstandingly with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals. Her backcourt mate, Anna Simmers, played equally well, 15 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Gaitley explained the importance of the twosome, “We’re a really disciplined team. The key to the game was to make things tough for 5 [Minato] and 25 [Simmers].”

With its win, Fordham moved to round two of the tournament. The Rams played host to Boston University (24-6), the victor of Sacred Heart in round one on Saturday afternoon, March 23 in the Bronx.

Gaitley had high hopes for her team, “I think we’re going to be much better on Saturday. We needed to get this game out of our system.”

Her prognostication proved true as the Rams dominated the Boston University Terriers on Saturday afternoon. The visitors took an early 6-2 lead, but a 15-2 scoring run by Fordham that culminated in consecutive threes by Strickland and Rooney put Fordham ahead, 17-8, at 13:28. A three by Charlotte Stoddard at 5:03 gave Fordham its first double digit advantage of the contest.

Three straight baskets by the Terriers cut the deficit to five, 28-23, with 18:34 remaining in the contest. That Fordham lead was the lowest since the first five minutes of the game.

A critical moment came at 15:19 as Rooney, a hardnosed defensive specialist, was called for her fourth foul. The lead was cut in half, 41-35, with her on the bench for the next five minutes, which led Gaitley to return her to action. Gaitley explained her reasoning after the contest ended, “I felt they were going on a run. She’s [Rooney] a calming presence.” A layup by Rooney at 5:26 brought the lead back to double figures, 45-35, where it remained for the rest of the contest. Fordham qualified for its first “Sweet Sixteen” finish with a 58-44 win.

Starters Strickland (14), Rooney (12) and Collins (12) scored in double digits. Clark and Corning failed to net at least 10, but each grabbed six rebounds.

After the contest, Gaitley spoke to reporters of the reason for the Fordham win, “The key to the game was defense and rebounding.”

Fordham topped Boston University in rebounds, 41-33. The Rams held their opponent to fewer than 50 points for the 14^th time this season.

Fordham will next travel to Virginia to face James Madison University in the Sweet Sixteen round of the WNIT at 7 pm on Wednesday, March 27.

The outcome of the above contest cannot erase the accomplishments of the Fordham women this year. Gaitley expressed her happiness of what they achieved, “I’m just so proud of the team. I’m so happy for them. This never happened at Fordham before. It will live on in their memories forever.”

Of the future, she proclaimed, “It sets a tone for the future. Women’s basketball has arrived at Fordham.”

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bunny Breakfast

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bunny Breakfast: (Photos by Gary Quintal)   BRONX, NEW YORK, March 25- State Senator Jeff Klein joined over 300 children and their parents for his 18 th...