String of vandalism stirs worry among residents in Queens

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (PIX11) — Homeowners in Ozone Park are on edge after several homes on the same block had their windows broken by someone throwing a brick or bricks.

Police say the three homes on Gold Road in Ozone Park were hit in separate incidents on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week. The criminal mischief took place between 2 and 5 a.m.

Neighbor Michael Malade said, “It’s very scary. Especially my parents live here. Very scary situation.”

Malade has lived on the street for his entire life but now he’s worried about his family’s safety. “Everyone has been watching. I actually am going to put up cameras today. Everyone knows each other around here so word gets out fast on this block.”

Gina Caponera is also worried. She says neighbors are staying up all night in fear their home might be next.

She says the area is normally very safe. “It’s very uneasy and I don’t understand why they’re doing this. They’re destroying people’s property and they have to pay for this. What kind of pleasure are they getting from this?”

Police say right now it is unclear if the same suspect is responsible for all three incidents.

Anyone who knows anything is asked to call crime stoppers.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org , downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

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