A peaceful Queens neighbourhood was transformed into a scene resembling a dystopian film when a mob of reckless drivers stormed residential streets, assaulting locals and setting a vehicle ablaze in what authorities describe as a brazen 'street takeover'.
Malba Neighbourhood Descends into Chaos
The violence erupted around 12:30am on Sunday in the normally tranquil waterfront community of Malba, Queens. Dozens of vehicles suddenly flooded onto South Drive and 141st Street, turning the secluded area into what horrified residents compared to something from Mad Max.
Witnesses described the mob tearing across manicured lawns, performing dangerous donuts in the streets and setting off fireworks in one of the most audacious takeovers the city has witnessed. The neighbourhood has recently become a hotspot for dangerous late-night gatherings, part of a national trend that originated in California.
Residents Brutally Attacked
The first resident to confront the chaos was Blake Ferrer, who stepped outside to demand the intruders leave his property. "When I came out, I said, 'Bro, you gotta get the f*** off my property,'" Ferrer told The New York Post. "And that's when it all started."
Shocking video footage shows Ferrer being swarmed by attackers who kicked, stomped and punched him while his wife was also struck. The vicious assault left Ferrer with broken ribs and a broken nose. Councilwoman Vickie Paladino, who represents the area, stated Ferrer was "lucky he wasn't killed."
A second resident, a 41-year-old man, had objects thrown through his car windows when he attempted to intervene according to police reports.
Vehicle Torched as Mob Runs Rampant
Private security company owner Larry Rusch, 59, rushed outside after hearing engines screaming across front lawns. He described seeing approximately 40 cars involved in the mayhem.
Rusch attempted to halt the chaos by positioning a company vehicle to block the stunt drivers. "As soon as I did that, everyone started leaving," he said. However, two individuals broke away from the crowd and set the vehicle ablaze using what appeared to be a firework.
Video footage posted by Councilwoman Paladino shows the vehicle completely engulfed in flames as another car sped around the burning wreck in circles. "It was a complete melee," said Rusch, who has lived in the area his entire life.
Outrage Over Police Response
Councilwoman Paladino expressed fury about both the violence and the city's initial response. She published a blistering statement revealing that residents who called 911 were told a 'quality of life team and 311' should handle the situation.
"Unacceptable," she wrote. "In fact, these violent street takeovers should be met with maximum force by the police department. This is a disgrace. They came with their cars and wreaked havoc on this very quiet area of my district."
The NYPD explained that an officer initially dispatched to the call was diverted to a higher-priority emergency, but that once the takeover was upgraded, police responded quickly. The precinct cited a busy Saturday night with officers simultaneously handling a DWI arrest, an assault, a hospital transport and an injury-causing collision.
Paladino warned that the repeated lack of consequences is pushing neighbourhoods to the brink. "There were multiple armed residents who exercised extreme restraint last night, however that level of restraint is not guaranteed," she cautioned. "If the city refuses to do what's necessary, the people might."
The illegal street takeover trend, which began in California, continues to spread across the nation, involving large groups meeting at designated locations late at night to perform dangerous stunts. Footage of these events often goes viral on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, potentially encouraging further copycat incidents.
