In Wake Of Summer’s Violence, Community Leaders & Police Stress Importance Of Working Together At National Night Out

Hundreds of people came out for the 70th Precinct’s National Night Out at the Parade Grounds Tuesday evening, and the event featured everything from a free barbecue to entertainment for the kids — but area leaders said, most importantly, it represented that, in the wake of the violence that has plagued our neighborhood this summer, the police and the community can work together to tackle crime.

“This is a show of community strength,” 70th Precinct Community Council President Ed Powell said. “It sends a message to the bad guys that police working with the community will eradicate them… we’re here to celebrate and be sociable, but we want to remember there are bad guys out there. Working with the police department, we want to get rid of them.”

Last night’s event, which is put on annually by the precinct and the community council and is one of thousands of similar gatherings happening across the country, comes at a time when murders are up significantly in our area. There have been eight murders in the 70th Precinct this year, compared to one at this time last year — a 700 percent increase, the city reported.

Police stressed that they are working hard to track down everyone responsible for the violence, noting two individuals have recently been arrested for the deaths of Harold Abodia, who was shot in the head on E. 21st Street, and Raphael Kurton, who was shot at Newkirk Avenue and E. 17th Street.

“Hopefully we’ll make things better — we’re trying; we’re trying; we’re trying,” said Assistant Chief Steven Powers.

The National Night Out also followed the 70th Precinct coming under fire for a video showing officers punching and pinning down a man, Alando Brissett, while arresting him at the Flatbush Junction Target — something which police said has prompted an internal investigation.

Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte, who, along with Councilman Jumaane Williams, urged residents to discuss concerns regarding the Target video at the 70th Precinct National Night Out, praised the 70th Precinct, particularly Deputy Inspector Richard DiBlasio, the precinct’s commanding officer.

“I tell you, I have not seen any other precinct in such good leadership since being in elected office,” Bichotte said. ” … I am really excited about the work that’s being done here.”

Councilman Mathieu Eugene urged residents to work with police.

“We are one community, and our community will be better when we remember we are members of the same community,” Eugene said. “We must work together with the police department.”

Other neighbors who attended last night’s festivities said they were trying to forget about the crime and just have fun for the evening.

“It hasn’t been a great summer, but I’ve lived here a long time, and I remember when things were worse,” said neighbor Barbara, who has lived near the Parade Grounds for close to 40 years. “I’ve seen this precinct get better, too. I used to hate the cops here, but I like them now. I’ve had problems with drug dealers in my building, and they’ve helped me out with that.”

Yvette, who came to the National Night Out with Barbara, issued slightly harsher words.

“The 70 – they’re part of the NYPD , so their officers are all over the place: some are good; some are bad; that’s just the way it goes,” she said. “This Target beating has me all riled up again. But it’s good to get face-to-face time with the police. Some of them care a lot, and you want those ones on your side.”

Many people attended last night’s festivities, including the Flatbush Shomrim Safety Patrol.

In addition to the free barbecue, the Allama Iqbal Community Center (929 Coney Island Avenue) also served up giant trays of delicious eats.

The Flatbush Development Corporation was well represented, with its members showing off the artwork they’ve created to call for peace in the neighborhood.

Members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) were also there to speak to neighbors about their group, which is looking for volunteers who live in Community Board 14’s coverage area (which includes Ditmas Park). For more information, you can visit CERT’s website or call 718-422-8585.

Mariya Yudkevich, of Councilman Chaim Deutsch’s office, spoke to residents at one of the informational tables that lined the Parade Grounds.

CB 14 Chairman Alvin Berk also joined elected officials and other community leaders for the evening.

Many of our community’s youngest members had fun getting their faces painted and going in the bouncy houses.

The 70th Precinct’s Explorers also came to lend a hand with the evening’s activities, as they always do. 70th Precinct Officer Cheryl Adams was lauded during the evening for her role leading the Explorers group, which includes 48 young people in our community who, for example, participate in a variety of community service projects, including cleaning graffiti from the neighborhood.

And, speaking of the Explorers, four of the group’s 48 members were promoted in rank, including Dylan Gilliam and Ahmed Ali.

Also promoted were Explorers Jason Brooker and Edgar Espinal.

Neighbor Steve Gilliam, meanwhile, received the “Explorer Dad” award from the precinct for all of his work with the Explorers, of which his son is a part.

Did you attend last night’s National Night Out? What did you think? If you took any photos, let us know! Email us at editor@ditmasparkcorner.com, and we’ll post them to the blog.