QUEENS (WABC) — There was heightened police presence Tuesday evening in and around Rufus King Park after two recent violent incidents, including the fatal beating of a 53-year-old man and the shooting of a teenager.<\/p>\n
The increased patrols came after a 14-year-old boy was shot in the leg near the park late Sunday afternoon and, on Tuesday morning, a 53-year-old man was severely beaten near an entrance to the park at 89th Avenue and 153rd Street, according to police.<\/p>\n
Park-goer Gisell Chavez said she values the park as a place for families and children but acknowledged concerns about crime in the area.<\/p>\n
“It is nice. That’s the thing. It’s beautiful like nobody bothers you around here. Everybody is in their own lane. But sometimes around here, in this area, it gets crazy sometimes,” Chavez said.<\/p>\n
Miguel Sanchez, who said he knew the victim of Tuesday’s attack, described the man as a familiar presence in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n
“He used to just drink with all the others there. But they beat him because they felt like it- without no reason. For no reason they beat him. It’s sad you know,” Sanchez said.<\/p>\n
Police said the 53-year-old man was taken to a hospital after complaining of chest pains and later died.<\/p>\n
The city medical examiner will determine the cause of death, but the case is being investigated as a homicide. No arrests have been announced.<\/p>\n
Rufus King Park underwent a $1.7 million upgrade in 2008, including improvements to its turf field. Residents said maintaining safety in the park remains a priority because of its role as a gathering place for families.<\/p>\n
“It’s very important to keep it safe because as I said before we have a lot of family gatherings- a lot of families be out here passing time. So it’s very important for the cops to be out here,” Trini Joseph said.<\/p>\n
Tuesday evening, police maintained a visible presence in and around the park, including marked patrol vehicles, officers on foot and officers in an unmarked vehicle.<\/p>\n
Some park-goers, however, said enforcement should accompany increased patrols.<\/p>\n
“I’ve seen a few people drinking right now with all those cops right there. And they’re not really doing nothing, they’re still doing it. So I don’t think just having the cops here will do anything. They should actually take some action and enforce some of the laws in the parks,” Imran Kahn said.<\/p>\n
Residents said they hope the park remains a safe place for families as police continue investigating the recent incidents.<\/p>\n
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