A violent confrontation erupted in the Malba neighborhood of Queens early Sunday when a couple attempted to disperse a reckless car meet-up, resulting in a brutal attack and a car being set ablaze. The incident unfolded around 12:30 a.m. as a group of unruly drivers overwhelmed South Drive and 141 Street, performing donuts and racing across lawns.
Victim Blake Ferrer recounted the event, stating he confronted the mob to remove them from his property, which triggered the aggression. “When I came out, I said, ‘Bro, you gotta get the f–k off my property,’ and that’s when it all started,” he explained. Video footage captured the shocking scene, showing approximately a dozen assailants violently assaulting Ferrer, who sustained serious injuries, including a broken nose and ribs. His wife also faced physical harm during the attack.
Local City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino expressed her outrage, highlighting how fortunate Ferrer was to escape with his life. “To say this is a disgrace is an understatement,” she remarked, criticizing the chaos that had descended upon what is usually a calm community.
Larry Rusch, a 59-year-old resident and security company owner, witnessed the mayhem firsthand. After hearing the cacophony from the reckless drivers, he attempted to halt the chaos by positioning a company car in the street. Unfortunately, the mob retaliated by setting his vehicle on fire after igniting fireworks near it. Rusch described the scene as a “complete melee,” emphasizing that while such reckless driving has been a recurrent issue in the area, the level of violence this time was unprecedented.
As tensions rose, other residents reported being attacked as well. One individual noted that his car was targeted with projectiles when he tried to intervene. Locals have long been frustrated with the recurring incidents of reckless driving, which have become quite common in the neighborhood. Rusch indicated, “I’ve been living there my whole life. It happens but not to this extent.”
Paladino pointed out that while some residents demonstrated remarkable restraint during the confrontation, there is no assurance that such restraint will always be exercised. “If the city refuses to do what’s necessary, the people might,” she warned, urging for proactive measures to restore safety in the community.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by neighborhoods grappling with the consequences of illegal street racing and unruly gatherings, emphasizing the need for increased community support and law enforcement intervention to maintain peace and safety.