Groups like SNUG, which held a Peace Rally attended by Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy and Councilwoman Deana Robinson, are workng to prevent gun violence in Yonkers
By Dan Murphy
Yonkers residents and elected officials expressed their concerns over three shootings and one stabbing in the City over the past two weeks.
Yonkers Police reported the following: On Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, at approximately 3:35 PM, members of the Yonkers Police Department responded to the area of 326 Walnut Street on a report of two males shot outside the location. Upon arrival, officers located a 39-year-old male with a gunshot wound to his torso. First Responders rendered medical aid and transported him to a local trauma center with significant internal injuries. Other responding officers immediately began canvassing the surrounding area for witnesses and suspects. A second 31-year-old male victim sustained a gunshot wound to his face and was privately transported to a local hospital, where he was subsequently stabilized and transferred to a trauma center for treatment of serious facial injuries.
Detectives from the Major Case Squad, in conjunction with the Digital Forensics Unit, and Crime Scene Unit, responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses, recovered surveillance video, and processed ballistic and forensic evidence. Preliminary findings indicate that a brief verbal altercation between other uninvolved parties and the victims preceded the shooting. The suspect then produced a handgun and fired two shots, striking both victims, before fleeing the scene on foot towards Elm Street.
Detectives quickly identified a person of interest, and over the next several days worked to build a case in support of criminal charges and arrest. The suspect was identified as KEYMEL WASHINGTON, a 23-year-old resident of Yonkers. Despite initial unsuccessful attempts to locate him, the Yonkers Police Department disseminated information about Washington through news and social media channels. This public outreach ultimately led to Washington surrendering to the Yonkers Police Detective Division on Monday, March 10, 2025. WASHINGTON was arraigned on two counts of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree, one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree, and two counts of Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree in Yonkers City Court. Bail was set at $50,000 cash/$100,000 bond. Following his arraignment, WASHINGTON was transferred to Westchester County Jail.
Mayor Mike Spano stated, “It’s time New York State gives us the resources and tools to enhance public safety. Gun violence does not discriminate and it’s crippling cities across the country.”
Commissioner Chris Sapienza stated, “The swift response and thorough investigation by our members, coupled with the cooperation of the community, resulted in the apprehension of a dangerous individual. This arrest underscores our commitment to ensuring the safety of our residents and sending a clear message that gun violence will not be tolerated in Yonkers.”
In response to recent incidents, and under the direction of Mayor Mike Spano, the Yonkers Police Department has increased motor and foot patrols in targeted areas of the city. Residents and community members can expect to see a strengthened presence of both uniformed and plainclothes officers actively engaged in proactive public safety initiatives.
#2 from the YPD- On Monday, March 3rd, 2025, at approximately 11:30 AM, members of the Yonkers Police Department responded to the area of 1187 Yonkers Avenue on a report of a male shot outside the location. Upon arrival, First Responders located a male with a gunshot wound to his arm. Officers rendered medical aid and stabilized the victim. Other responding officers immediately began canvassing the surrounding area for witnesses and suspects. Patrol Officers quickly located a suspect a short distance away on Bronx River Road and apprehended him without further incident. A Glock 9mm caliber handgun was also recovered from the scene. The victim was removed to a local area hospital in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
Detectives from the Major Case Squad, in conjunction with the Digital Forensics Unit, and Crime Scene Unit, responded to the scene and initiated an investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that the Suspect and Victim were involved in a verbal altercation on board of a Bee-Line Bus which continued after disembarking on Yonkers Avenue. Once on Yonkers Avenue, the altercation escalated. The suspect then produced a handgun and fired one shot, striking the victim in the arm. The Suspect then fled from the location on foot towards Bronx River Road.
The suspect is identified as LEVAR DIMMIE, a 48-year-old resident of Mount Vernon, and is expected to be arraigned on 3/4/25 in Yonkers City Court on one count of Assault in the 1st Degree, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree. The Victim is identified as Daniel Pena, a 36-year-old Yonkers resident.
Commissioner Chris Sapienza stated, “I commend the swift and professional actions of our patrol officers in apprehending this suspect and securing the scene. The collaborative efforts of our patrol officers, detectives, and Crime Scene Unit were crucial in this investigation. We will continue to work tirelessly to hold those who commit acts of violence accountable.”
From the Westchester County Police, who are responsible for crimes committed on the Bee Line Buses: Westchester County Police are investigating a stabbing that occurred on March 5 aboard a Bee-Line bus in Yonkers.
At 5:10 p.m., Westchester County and Yonkers Police Department officers responded to a report that a teen-aged male had been stabbed on the bus as it traveled on Elm Street in the Nodine Hill neighborhood. The assailant exited the bus through the rear door after the attack occurred. Detectives are investigating whether the victim and assailant are known to each other.
Westchester County Police later arrested Eric Dickerson, 20, who was charged with Gang Assault 1st Degree, a felony. Dickerson is accused of stabbing the youth as the bus traveled along Elm Street about 5:10 p.m. on Wednesday. The assailant and several other men had confronted the teen on the bus before the youth was stabbed.
Another shooting happened on Glenwood Avenue on March 2, with Yonkers Police Officers responding to Glenwood Avenue around 10 p.m. after reports of gunfire. They found the man with a bullet wound to his left leg. The man claimed the incident had happened elsewhere, though police couldn’t locate a crime scene at that spot. When pressed further, he requested a lawyer and stopped talking.
The more serious concerns from residents were about the Walnut Street shooting, which happened when students were going home from school and the incident on a Bee Line Bus, which many students use to get home from school.
City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy attended a press conference with SNUG and Councilwoman Deana Robinson to highlight the efforts to stem gun violence. But Collins-Bellamy said more resources are needed.
“While overall crime in Yonkers is decreasing, recent gun violence calls for additional action. After discussions with @mayormikespano, the Police Department will increase patrols in downtown neighborhoods, including Nodine Hill.
“As the budget season approaches, there will be a push for more resources to combat crime, focusing on swift arrests for violent crimes and programs targeting youth to prevent gang involvement. The priority is ensuring safety in neighborhoods and homes,” said Collins-Bellamy.
Councilwoman Robinson said, “I felt it was important to stop by the Snug peace rally today and really show support to an organization that is trying to help alleviate and combat the violence in our city with Constant boots on the ground and Community support. I am praying that the senseless violence in the city will come to an end and I believe that there is power in prayer and power in unity. Thank you to Snug and thank you to our police department for all the work you do. The job is nowhere near done and it’s an ongoing uphill climb. But it starts with us coming together as a community.”
Councilwoman Corazon Pineda-Issac said, “I am deeply troubled by the recent act of violence near the Dayspring Community Center, where two individuals were in a shoooting incident in broad daylight—right as children and families were making their way home from school. Incidents like these are not just isolated events; they send shockwaves through the entire neighborhood, leaving lasting trauma for those who witnessed it and those who live in constant fear that it could happen again.
In addition to his comments above, Mayor Spano recently posted about the shooting of a police officer in Newark. “Earlier today Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said we have to do a better job keeping guns out of the hands of our young people. This is not a Newark problem, or a Yonkers problem, this is a nationwide issue tearing families apart. We must come together to pray and offer comfort to the impacted families but also find a better resolution to gun violence.”
