Police Patrols In Flushing Meadows Park Continue

Queens police officials said last week that a temporary command post established near the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park will remain for an undetermined period of time to help restore faith in the safety of the park, following the arrest of three men who preyed on park goers during a deadly two-month crime spree. Police at the 110th Precinct, who normally patrol the park, are being backed up by cops at the Queens North Task Force and the 109th Precinct in a program of stepped-up enforcement and increased patrols inside Flushing Meadows- Corona Park. As part of the increased enforcement, police will continue to patrol inside the park after its posted closing time of 9 p.m.

On January 5, police arrested Yovanni Rivera and Marcus Polanco, both 17, who confessed they acted in concert in a series of nine muggings in the park since November 22.

Rivera, who told police he was living in an abandoned house in Corona until his arrest, also confessed to the December 5 murder of Carlos Flores. Rivera said he used a machete to kill Flores, 40. Rivera said he then dumped the body in a pond. Police fished Flores' body from Meadow Lake a day after his murder.

Polanco told investigators he spent two weeks prior to his arrest living on the streets of Corona, stealing and assaulting victims to get money for food.

Rivera is being held without bail on charges of murder, attempted murder, arson, assault and robbery, while Polanco is facing similar charges, with the exception of murder.

Police also arrested a third suspect, Herman Gonzalez, 19, who was charged with robbery and assault in connection with the November 20 mugging of a Chinese food deliveryman outside the park. Queens detectives are still searching for a fourth, unnamed suspect who was implicated in the attacks by Gonzalez.

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said he hopes the public will continue to view the park as a safe haven for outdoor activity. Brown said his office plans to prosecute those charged in the crime spree to the fullest extent of the law.

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is currently listed as the safest park in New York City, according to recent crime statistics released by parks officials.- Liz Goff