Crime Rate in New York

New York City has long had a reputation for being dangerous, with crimes reported everyday. In response, the city has increased police presence in public areas such as train stations, restaurants, and buses. Although the NYPD continued to make efforts to improve safety, recent incidents have still left many residents feeling uneasy.

On September 13, 2025, 16-year-old Jhoanny Gomez Alvarez went out to dinner with her family at a local restaurant in Queen. While they were eating, an argument broke out when a man, later identified as 38 year old Edwin Cruz Gomez, made inappropriate comments towards Jhoanny. Her parents confronted him, and the situation escalated quickly. 

Moments later, Cruz Gomez, who was reportedly intoxicated, got into his SUV and drove towards the family at high speed. He struck several members of the group, killing Jhoanny and injuring others. Cruz Gomez was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, assault, and vehicle manslaughter.

This tragic event has sparked conversations about safety and accountability in NYC, reminding residents the ongoing challenges in keeping communities safe despite the city’s efforts to reduce crime.

Another crime committed that gained the public's attention was the assault that happened on August 6, 2025 in the Bronx, where a teen lost his life and another was injured. On August 6, NYPD arrested several teens for the attempted murder of Angel Mendoza and second degree murder of another 17 year old. The teens had a dispute on a topic unknown to the public, which escalated and a 15 minute fight broke out. Police reported that at least seven teens  were involved and that several knives were found on the scene. Police found evidence of the crime being committed on one of the devices belonging to one of the teens who participated in the assault of both teenagers, revealing two other unknown suspects who were also there but weren't caught yet..

Recent NYPD data show that overall major crimes in NYC have decreased compared to the previous year.

While there were earlier increases in offenses such as car thefts and assaults, 2025 has seen significant improvements across categories, including shootings and homicides. 

These incidents, however, still capture the community’s attention and highlight ongoing concerns about safety. Even as crime numbers decline, many residents continue to feel uneasy, especially when violent events occur close to home.