Inside the NYPD: 32nd Precinct Deeply Concerned About Uptick in Shootings
Inspector Amir Yakatally
Commanding Officer Responds to Community Questions, Allegation That A
“Felon” Sits on the Precinct’s CC Board, and Issues Message to Commissioner Sewell
By Gary Glennell Toms
There has been an alarming and dramatic increase in the number of shootings in Harlem, New York. Many resulted in fatalities, and elected officials, community activists and residents have held marches and press conferences to voice their concerns and demand that more be done to end the bloodshed.
In July of 2020, Patch reported that “city officials, NYPD brass and dozens of Harlem community leaders formed a plan to combat a rising level of gun violence in Harlem.” In the wake of the report, the level of shootings has only intensified.
Last month, an off-duty police officer was fired upon during an attempted car-jacking at Macombs Place and West 154th Street. On January 9, Fox 5 New York reported on the killing of Kristal Bayron-Nieves, a 19-year-old Burger King cashier who was shot during an armed robbery.
The report stated that Mayor Eric Adams tweeted, “A nineteen-year-old girl was shot and killed yesterday in East Harlem while doing her job. Guns are destroying lives in our city.”
From The G-Man contacted the 32nd Precinct’s Community Affairs Division and spoke with Detective Byron Peña about the situation. According to the precinct’s website, the precinct serves the northeastern portion of Harlem. There are six public housing complexes and 11 private housing developments. The business district is located on Lenox Avenue between West 132nd and 139th Streets. Detective Peña stated, “The shootings are a major concern to us, and we’re using all available resources to get things under control.”
The news site also submitted five specific questions via email for Inspector Amir Yakatally, who serves as commanding officer. He issued the following responses.
FTG: Do you have an update on the off-duty officer that was shot during an alleged car-jacking?
Inspector Yakatally: The officer is doing fine. It was an attempted car jacking in which a gunman opened fire at him. The officer didn’t comply and drove off, that’s when the suspect opened fire. The officer was not struck – though his vehicle was. Suspect(s) have been identified and apprehended.
FTG: Is the officer a member of the NYPD?
Inspector Yakatally: Yes, the officer is an active member of the NYPD.
FTG: Are the increasing number of shootings in the community drug or gang-related or both?
Inspector Yakatally: The shootings are a combination of gang-related and spontaneous disputes.
FTG: Do you have any comments regarding Commissioner Sewell?
Inspector Yakatally: NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell has over 25 years of law enforcement experience and the men and women of the New York City Police Department look forward to working with her.
FTG: From The G-Man received an extremely disturbing email from a highly-respected community member claiming the current group of 32nd Precinct Community Council Board members was “selected,” not elected. They also stated that one member is a convicted felon, which is a violation of the community council guidelines. Could you respond to these allegations?
Inspector Yakatally: Sorry that you were misinformed. An election was held and all Board members were elected by good standing members of the 32nd Precinct Community Council. In regards to a convicted felon serving on the board, I can assure you that all members elected are within guidelines. Once again, thank you for your inquiry and we hope to see you soon at our next community council meeting. Take care and have a great day.