New York City, NY — A 19-year-old man has been taken into custody and charged in connection with a brutal assault on a couple during an illegal car meet-up that spiraled out of control in Malba last month, according to authorities. Police announced Thursday that Justin Aguilera, 19, now faces multiple charges, including gang assault, assault, riot, and trespassing, for his alleged involvement in the chaotic attack on November 22.
The incident occurred when a large crowd of reckless drivers swarmed a residential intersection, turning what began as a late-night gathering into a violent mob scene. Officials say the takeover escalated quickly, leaving a couple injured and a vehicle engulfed in flames.
NYPD Details Suspect’s Actions
The NYPD stated that Aguilera was a key participant in the violence that erupted near South Drive and 141st Street around 12:30 a.m. During the mayhem, drivers performed donuts, sped across lawns, and created widespread disturbances that alarmed local residents.
As officers escorted Aguilera out of the 109th Precinct stationhouse Thursday night, the teen kept his head lowered but occasionally shot sharp looks at reporters and photographers capturing the moment. His demeanor reflected both defiance and tension as he faced the growing attention surrounding the case.
Victims Brutally Beaten After Confrontation
The victims, identified as Blake Ferrer and his wife, were attacked after Ferrer confronted the unruly group and told them to leave his property. According to Ferrer’s previous statements, members of the mob responded with immediate violence—kicking, punching, and stomping on him in a coordinated assault.
His wife was also struck during the confrontation, escalating the severity of the situation. The mob then set a parked private security vehicle on fire, adding to the destruction and chaos.
Ferrer sustained multiple broken bones and required emergency treatment at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, highlighting the intensity and brutality of the attack.
Additional Suspects Still at Large
Authorities say the violence didn’t end there. Following the assault, two additional suspects fled the scene in a white Chevy Silverado heading southbound on the Whitestone Expressway. The NYPD previously released images of the unidentified suspects, both believed to be between 18 and 24 years old.
Investigations are ongoing, and police continue to search for the remaining individuals who took part in the mob assault, as per The Post.
Delayed Police Response Raises Questions
One of the lingering concerns surrounding the incident is the nearly 30-minute delay in police response. Officials explained that officers were already tied up handling multiple unrelated calls, and the first report of the gathering had been logged as drag racing, which affected the urgency of the dispatch.
Despite the delay, NYPD leadership emphasized their commitment to improving response times in the neighborhood. Police brass have promised increased patrols in the typically quiet Malba area to prevent a similar event from unfolding again.
Community Demands Accountability
Residents in Malba, known for its calm streets and tight-knit community, have expressed deep concern over the sudden eruption of street violence in their neighborhood. The incident has sparked conversations about illegal car meet-ups, police staffing, and the need for stricter enforcement to curb increasingly reckless behavior.
With one suspect in custody and others still being sought, authorities say they intend to hold all involved accountable as they work to restore a sense of safety and normalcy to the community.
Do you believe enough is being done to curb illegal street takeovers in New York? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation below!
