NYPD mobilizes 700 officers to prevent repeat of deadly Dyckman chaos
INWOOD (WABC) -- Hundreds of police officers will be deployed in Washington Heights and Inwood on Sunday as officials work to prevent another large gathering from forming along Dyckman Street following last weekend's violence and property damage.
Officials said 700 officers will be stationed throughout the area after a social media post began circulating online promoting a "Dominican Dyckman Takeover Part 3" event scheduled for noon Sunday.
The heightened police presence comes one week after thousands of young people swarmed the Dyckman area following the Dominican Day Parade, overwhelming police and leaving a trail of damage to vehicles and local businesses, according to officials.
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa said attendees traveled from several states to take part in last Sunday's gathering. Officials said losses from property and vehicle damage reached hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A 23-year-old man was also fatally stabbed during the unrest.
"When these gatherings happen, the toll on the safety of our community is real," De La Rosa said. "We unfortunately have lost a young life based on the violence that ensued after these activities occurred in our community, and we send our deepest condolences to his family."
Officials say their goal is not to villainize anyone, but to prevent a repeat of last week's violence and disruption. Many business owners said they cannot afford to close early again because of safety concerns.
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