A popular children's recreation area in New York City has become a hotspot for crime, with a recent spike in violent incidents linked to migrants staying at nearby shelters. The situation has raised concerns among residents and local businesses.
The once-serene children's recreation area in New York City's Coney Island neighborhood has been marred by a disturbing surge in crime, which authorities have attributed to the presence of nearby shelters housing migrants. Residents and local businesses have voiced their concerns about the safety of the area, which they say has been plagued by an increase in violent incidents.
In a recent report, Fox News correspondent Alexis McAdams highlighted the alarming trend. One of the most disturbing incidents involved the alleged rape of a 46-year-old woman on Sunday night. According to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the victim was approached by two individuals near Surf Avenue and West 16th Street, one of whom forced her to the ground at knifepoint and sexually assaulted her. A 34-year-old man who attempted to intervene was struck with an object by the second suspect.
Migrant Crime Surge in NYC: Recreation Area Plagued by Violence
The accused rapist, identified as 24-year-old David Davon-Bonilla, has been charged with first-degree rape and sexual abuse. He is currently being held without bail after pleading not guilty. According to reports, Davon-Bonilla is a migrant from Nicaragua who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in December 2022. He had previously been arrested in April of last year for sexually assaulting a 34-year-old woman while staying at a hotel-turned-shelter in Brooklyn.
The second suspect, 37-year-old Leovando Moreno, has also been charged in connection with the Coney Island incident. He is being held on $20,000 cash bail after pleading not guilty. Moreno has an outstanding warrant in Seaside Heights, New Jersey for public lewdness dating back to August 2022.
Migrant Crime Surge in NYC: Recreation Area Plagued by Violence
The NYPD has acknowledged the increase in crime in the area, but did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. However, an NYPD spokesperson said that the female victim of the rape was taken to a local hospital in stable condition, while the male victim refused medical attention.
The rise in crime has sent shockwaves through the Coney Island community. Residents have expressed their concerns about the safety of the area, especially for children who frequent the recreation area. Local businesses have also reported a decline in foot traffic as customers become wary of the presence of crime.
Migrant Crime Surge in NYC: Recreation Area Plagued by Violence
The situation has drawn the attention of city officials and community leaders, who are working to address the issue. Some have called for increased police patrols in the area, while others have suggested outreach programs to engage with the migrant population and address any underlying issues that may be contributing to the crime wave.
The incident in Coney Island highlights the challenges faced by cities across the country as they grapple with the influx of migrants seeking refuge. While the vast majority of migrants are peaceful and law-abiding, there have been isolated cases of criminal activity, which has raised concerns among some residents. It is important to strike a balance between providing humanitarian assistance to migrants and ensuring the safety of local communities.
Migrant Crime Surge in NYC: Recreation Area Plagued by Violence
