Police are asking the public to help them find two men who allegedly assaulted a Queens couple on their lawn early Sunday morning after a car meetup turned into a violent melee.
The NYPD released surveillance photos Tuesday of the two men, saying they attacked Blake and Melissa Ferrer after the couple stepped outside their Malba home near 141st Street and 11th Avenue to confront an unruly crowd of drag racers. The men were part of a group of about 50 cars that descended on the block that night — driving recklessly, igniting fireworks and setting an empty car ablaze — according to police.
Videos posted to social media by local councilmember Vickie Paladino show members of the group with masks and hoods beating Blake Ferrer on the ground as his wife tries to push other assailants away. Blake said he sustained several broken ribs and injuries to his shoulder, nose, cheek and throat, while Melissa was punched in the face.
“They were young. They wouldn't take their masks off,” Melissa Ferrer told Gothamist on Monday. “They were all videotaping it.”
The Ferrers criticized police for what they said was a slow response to multiple 911 calls from neighbors as the incident unfolded. An NYPD spokesperson said officers from the local 109th Precinct took a while to arrive at the scene because they were handling multiple emergencies around the same time late Saturday night. Officials said they are increasing patrols in the area and have met with residents about the chaotic event.
The burned car from the drag-racing incident in Malba
Police described the men they’re looking for as between the ages of 18 and 24, and said they fled the scene in a white Chevy Silverado, going southbound on the Whitestone Expressway.
Officials said they have not yet made any arrests in connection with the incident.
This is a developing story based on preliminary information from police and may be updated.
