Two chaotic police chases racing through Brooklyn streets on April 3 ended with guns seized and two men in cuffs, according to video clips now bouncing around local newscasts and social media. One confrontation unfolded on a Williamsburg block, the other in Bedford-Stuyvesant, and at least one of the arrests happened close enough to a school to leave parents on edge during pickup time.
Video Captures Williamsburg Takedown
As reported by News 12, just before 3 p.m. on April 3 officers arrested 18-year-old Jayden Velasquez on 203 South 3 St. in Williamsburg. Velasquez was charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration, the outlet reports. In the video, officers can be seen wrestling a suspect to the sidewalk while neighbors lean out of windows and crowd stoops with phones out.
Second Gun Arrest Near Bed-Stuy School
As detailed by News 12, a few hours later, just before 7:15 p.m., officers arrested 24-year-old Jeremiah Marks on Willoughby Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Marks was charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon. One parent picking up a child near the scene told the station, "it's frightening, you know? your kids are in school, they're supposed to be in a safe space." Police did not immediately say whether the school day was cut short or if any classes were disrupted.
Part of Broader NYPD Gun Crackdown
Police said both stops are tied to ongoing gun enforcement efforts the department has been touting this year. City Hall and NYPD briefings over the past year have repeatedly highlighted the number of firearms taken off the street and arrests for weapons possession as part of citywide public-safety operations. For a recent overview, see a briefing from the NYC Mayor's Office.
Legal Note
In New York, criminal possession of a weapon can be charged at several degrees. It can range from a misdemeanor to a violent felony, depending on facts such as whether a firearm was loaded or whether it was possessed in a sensitive location like a school. These offenses are laid out in Penal Law Article 265, which specifies the degrees and penalties for weapons charges. For the statute text, see NYSenate.gov.
Authorities typically review video and other evidence and then present charges to prosecutors, and police say they urge anyone with additional footage or information to contact detectives or Crime Stoppers. This story may be updated if prosecutors file court papers or if the NYPD releases more details about the two arrests.
