Suspect Who Unloaded Fire Extinguisher on NYC Cop For Viral Video Charged

MANHATTAN, NY — A disturbing incident occurred in late May near the intersection of West 118th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue in Harlem, resulting in the hospitalization of a 43-year-old on-duty NYPD traffic agent. The agent suffered an eye injury after being sprayed in the face with a fire extinguisher in what appears to be a planned assault.

The attack took place around 6:50 AM while the traffic agent was driving a marked NYPD cruiser. A gray four-door sedan, carrying four individuals, pulled alongside the cruiser. One of the occupants then sprayed the agent with a fire extinguisher. The vehicle quickly fled the scene, and the harrowing moment was captured on video and later posted to Instagram.

Police have identified one of the suspects involved in this assault as 19-year-old Escarlin Polanco Gonzalez, who has a distinct neck tattoo visible in an NYPD mugshot released Monday night.

The NYPD 28th Precinct is actively investigating the case and is seeking additional information about the other individuals involved.

Manhattan: West 118th Street & St. Nicholas Avenue, a 43-year-old on-duty traffic agent was transported to the hospital on Thursday after being sprayed in the face with a fire extinguisher. The vehicle, occupied by four individuals, fled the scene. The @NYPD28Pct is investigating… pic.twitter.com/2eDdERAGOe

— NYC Scoop (@NY_Scoop) May 28, 2024

BROOKLYN, NY — Anthony Conigliaro, an 86-year-old former acting captain of the Genovese crime family, was tragically killed in a Brooklyn crosswalk on June 12 after being struck by a city Department of Transportation truck. Known by nicknames such as “Tony Cakes” and “Tony the Dessert Man,” Conigliaro was a recognized figure in both the underworld and local dessert businesses.

In 2005, Brooklyn federal prosecutors charged him with being a soldier in the Genovese crime family, highlighting his longstanding involvement in the organized crime community.

Beyond his alleged mob connections, Conigliaro was involved in the legitimate business world, running a wholesale cake business and an Italian ice and gelato stand in Little Italy.

According to an eyewitness, the truck struck Conigliaro, decapitating him. His head was found about 100 feet from his body as the driver of the truck was being consoled by bystanders.

The incident that led to his death has been described as accidental by both his lawyers and law enforcement sources. The case has brought renewed attention to his colorful life and past dealings within one of New York City’s notorious crime families.

Photos of graphic video published to X by @nyscoop.

Brooklyn: 92nd Street & Dahlgren Place, CCTV footage shows the tragic accident that occurred last week Wednesday, resulting in the death of an 86-year-old pedestrian who was struck by a DOT truck. https://t.co/eB9h5UHako pic.twitter.com/D2WxOkOsvB

— NYC Scoop (@NY_Scoop) June 20, 2024

QUEENS, NY — A distressing scene unfolded on Beach Channel Drive at Horton Avenue this past Saturday evening, when NYPD officers from the 101st Precinct intervened in a suspected illegal transaction involving puppies. The incident, occurring on a sweltering hot day, saw a 44-year-old woman from Queens attempting to sell young pitbull puppies under harmful conditions.

The police became suspicious when they observed the woman retrieving a tied sack, claiming it contained additional dogs. Upon inspection, officers discovered five pitbull puppies inside, suffering from the heat and poor handling. The immediate action by the officers led to the rescue of the puppies, who were then taken to the ASPCA in Manhattan for necessary evaluation and care.

Police officers at the scene noted the puppies were distressed, soaking wet, dehydrated and suffering.

“These dogs would have been dead,” one cop said.

Queens: Beach Channel Drive & Horton Avenue, a dramatic scene unfolded this past Saturday evening, on a sweltering hot day, when police officers from the @NYPD101Pct assigned to a post Brach Channel Drive, intervened in a suspicious transaction involving a woman attempting to… pic.twitter.com/HKSJ4fTgJV

— NYC Scoop (@NY_Scoop) June 17, 2024

The suspect was arrested at the scene and has been charged with six counts of animal torture, six counts of neglect of impounded animals, and criminal possession of a weapon.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — An evening meant to celebrate the achievements of Westwood High School’s senior class was disrupted by multiple physical altercations shortly after their graduation ceremony concluded on Thursday, June 20, 2024. The incidents occurred on the football field at Westwood High School, where the ceremony had just taken place.

Washington Township Police, who were present at the event, intervened to separate the involved parties and disperse the crowd. At least one individual was injured during the altercations and required hospitalization, while several others were treated at the scene but declined further medical assistance.

Several fights broke out Thursday evening as the graduation ceremony at Westwood Regional High School in Bergen County was winding down. https://t.co/2haNttZo4F

Video from @jerseytalks_ . pic.twitter.com/ReyKnyJUhU

— Crime In NYC (@CrimeInNYC) June 22, 2024

The Washington Township Police Department is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the incidents. They are reviewing multiple videos that have surfaced on social media, alongside taking witness statements and information from those involved. Detective Sgt. Fasciano is leading the investigation, and the public is encouraged to submit any relevant video footage or information to [email protected].

In light of these events, the police department is also urging the community to discuss proper behavior with family and friends and to report any concerning activities to authorities promptly. They highlighted the increasing frequency of such disruptive behaviors at public events and emphasized the importance of community cooperation in maintaining safety and decorum.

The department extended its gratitude to multiple neighboring police departments and volunteer ambulance corps that assisted during the incident, ensuring the situation was controlled and the injured received prompt medical attention. The investigation remains ongoing, with criminal charges pending as authorities work to hold those responsible accountable.

SAG HARBOR, NY — Pop star Justin Timberlake found himself in legal trouble after being arrested for DWI in the Hamptons, an incident that could have been avoided had he followed an initial warning from a local police officer.

According to a law enforcement source, Timberlake, 43, was stopped not once, but twice on Tuesday morning in Sag Harbor, Long Island. During the first encounter, the officer, who did not recognize Timberlake, issued a warning and advised him not to continue driving.

The officer, identified as Michael Arkinson, 23, believed Timberlake posed no immediate danger and hoped he would secure a safe ride home.

Several fights broke out Thursday evening as the graduation ceremony at Westwood Regional High School in Bergen County was winding down. https://t.co/2haNttZo4F

Video from @jerseytalks_ . pic.twitter.com/ReyKnyJUhU

— Crime In NYC (@CrimeInNYC) June 22, 2024

However, Timberlake was spotted again just minutes later by Officer Arkinson, driving his 2025 BMW SUV. This time, he was pulled over after allegedly driving through a stop sign and swerving into the left lane. Timberlake, who has previously admitted to issues with excessive drinking, told the police he had consumed a single martini at the historic American Hotel before deciding to drive.

This breaking news was originally reported by the New York Post.

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Toms River Township Government has announced the opening of the Toms River Municipal Pool today, providing a refreshing retreat for families during the hot summer days. Located at 1810 Warren Pointe Road, the pool is open from 11 AM to 6 PM.

The pool is open during the year’s worst heat wave, where heat indexes across town hit the 100-degree point on Friday, and the same is expected through Sunday.

Residents are invited to enjoy the facilities and cool off in the pool throughout the summer. The township wishes everyone a fantastic summer season filled with fun and relaxation at the municipal pool.

Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick today invited residents to come cool off at the pool and escape the heat.