🌱 Western Queens Bank Robberies + Napping Man In Port Authority

Happy Tuesday, Queens! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Some sun, then clouds. High: 41 Low: 35.

Here are the top stories today in Queens:

1. Police are searching for two men who are tied to a string of bank robberies in Western Queens. The alleged thieves have hit up to a dozen banks over the past month, including locations in Astoria, Long Island City, Maspeth, Corona, Flushing, Middle Village, and East Elmhurst – and made off with at least $17,800 cash. One of the suspects is described as being a light-skinned male in his mid-30s, with black hair and facial hair, and the other suspect is described as being light-skinned. (Sunnyside Post)
2. A napping Queens man was found with an arsenal of weapons in the Port Authority Midtown bus terminal. Port Authority cops came across Francisco Vicente, 36, about 4 a.m. napping in the north wing of the terminal in a lounge that’s set aside for ticketed passengers. Vicente was searched after he admitted he didn’t have a ticket, and police found an assault-style rifle, two loaded magazines, dozens of rounds of ammunition, and a 7-inch Bowie knife on him, along with small amounts of crack and marijuana. Vicente has been detained pending charges of trespassing, criminal possession of weapons, and possession of controlled substance. (Yahoo!)
3. A local non-profit made an urgent appeal for donations to maximize a $10,000 challenge matching grant and help local residents in need. Sunnyside Community Services (SCS), which puts on a wide range of essential programming for individuals of all ages, needs to raise the cash since a public charity will match all donations made to the group. The funds raised will be used to pay for the group’s core programs such as youth after-school programs, senior programs, English speaking classes, immigration legal services, and home caregiver support. (Flushing Post)
4. Shocking footage posted to TikTok captured the moment a New York state trooper opened fire on a driver in a stolen car after he tried to flee on Sunday afternoon. The clip shows MTA Bridges and Tunnels officers stopping the 2021 Acura sedan in the Manhattan- and Bronx-bound lanes of the busy Queens span before the vehicle took off and slammed into a second uninvolved vehicle, which then struck a state trooper. A trooper fired round after round at the suspects’ vehicle — but struck no one. Both the driver, Josue Viorato, 21, of Queens, and a 17-year-old passenger from the Bronx were taken into custody. (New York Post)
5. Police have released a photo of the bike riding groper who grabbed a woman in Astoria Park last month. The suspect was riding his bike in the park at around 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23 when he approached the 41-year-old victim from behind, before reaching between her legs and grabbing her crotch and breasts. The suspect is described as being approximately 18-years-old, 5 feet, 4 inches tall, and with a light complexion and brown hair. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline. (Astoria Post)

Today's Queens Daily is brought to you by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Queens!

Today in Queens:

• Job Search Strategies for the Mature Worker Webinar - Glen Oaks Branch Library (12:00 PM)
• Ageless Inspirations: Discussion Group for Seniors - Astoria Branch Library (2:00 PM)
• Live Talk from Queens with Ralph McDaniels - Douglaston/Little Neck Branch Library (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Queens Borough President Donovan Richards: "As we begin Hanukkah, I hope all who celebrate in #Queens are with family and enjoy each night of the beautiful festival of lights. I am grateful to be a part of this annual Menorah Lighting at Federoff Triangle. Thankful for our Jewish community and all they contribute to our borough. Happy Hanukkah everyone!" (Facebook)
• Queens Botanical Garden: "⏱❄️ Winter Wonder Countdown! Just 5 DAYS from now on Saturday, come enjoy selfies with Santa (donations welcome). At this FREE family-friendly event, also come for live musical performances, a tree and menorah lighting, holiday crafts, a tree tour, sales at the QBG Shop, and a selection of beverages at the Holiday Bar for purchase." (Facebook)
• Queens Museum: "Rethinking Residencies announces its first-ever symposium. Fully online and free with registration, this event will take place on December 8th, 9th, and 10th in collaboration with the Vera List Center for Art and Politics at The New School. Please join us, registration is free." (Facebook)
• Queens Economic Development Corporation: "Check out our last three LIVE StartUP! workshops in 2021. From web design to financial projection, all led by top industry experts." (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around. If you're loving these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander. She works as a freelance copywriter for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and as an assistant producer for a live-lit storytelling show in Chicago. She holds a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies from The University of Rhode Island. In her free time, you can find her traveling, hiking, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.