Reckless Driving Nightmares Strike Queens Community During Social Media Promoted Event

Malba, Queens — A chaotic scene unfolded over the weekend as over 100 reckless drivers gathered for a car meetup, causing destruction and fear in a typically quiet neighborhood.

The trouble began late Saturday into early Sunday when cars were seen doing donuts in the large round intersections. Local council member Vickie Palladino condemned the event, stating, “Over 100 of them just filled the streets and wreaked havoc and terror on this neighborhood.” Neighbors reported that the disturbance was promoted widely on social media.

One resident, Larry Rusch, attempted to intervene when he spotted a security guard’s car in the midst of the chaos. “They were doing their spinouts, this and that and the other thing, so try and slow it down, I go into the car and moved it into the middle,” he said.

However, Rusch’s actions precipitated a violent turn when an individual in the crowd threw an incendiary device into the security guard’s vehicle. “It exploded inside and then the whole car was engulfed in flames,” Rusch added.

Things escalated further when attendees turned violent. A homeowner who recorded the chaos was assaulted on his lawn. Palladino reported that the victim sustained serious injuries, including a broken shoulder, broken ribs, and a broken nose. His wife was also attacked during the incident.

A neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, recalled witnessing the violence and helping the injured man while his wife called for assistance. “The police have been very responsive to everything, unfortunately, last night, that wasn’t the case. While she was on the phone, it took them 45 minutes, I stayed with him until the police arrived,” the neighbor stated.

In the wake of the violence, concerned residents met Sunday night to demand increased police presence and to discuss preventive measures. Council member Palladino remarked on the need for improvements in the area, mentioning, “I have had DOT here at least a dozen times explaining to them what needs to be done with speed bumps.”

As the investigation continues, community members are hopeful for justice. “To beat up a neighbor like that, that’s bad. I hope somebody catches them and I hope we find out,” Rusch expressed.