Fatal stabbing outside Wakefield bar sparks concerns about violence outside late-night establishments
Data shows that at least two deadly incidents have happened outside Last Stop Grill & Bar in White Plains Road in recent years.
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Last Stop Grill & Bar was the scene of a crime on Sunday night – and it was not the first time.
The NYPD says that on Sunday around 3:30 a.m. an argument turned deadly when a 30-year-old man was fatally stabbed in front of the late-night spot on White Plains Road. The suspect got away in a vehicle.
Located right below the Wakefield–241st Street station, the bar was also the scene of a shooting in 2022 that killed 42-year-old Jeffrey Pierre.
The owner of the business declined to speak on camera but told News 12 that the incident happened after the bar had already closed and had nothing to do with his establishment. One neighbor also reported visiting the restaurant without issue for years.
However, local Community Board 12 has raised concerns about the venue in recent years. At a 2023 meeting of the Economic Development and Business Services Committee, members voted that the board recommend the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) deny the renewal of Last Stop’s liquor license. State records show the property does have an active liquor license that was last issued in January.
Sources in the agency report that Last Stop was fined $15,000 for “sale to minor” violations. The bar is operated under John & Joe’s Restaurant Corporation.
Councilmember Eric Dinowitz emphasized that the incidents happened outside of the bar and not inside, adding that controlling what happens outside a business can be tough for owners. However, he says with longer days and warmer nights quickly approaching, it’s important that all stakeholders work together for a safer nightlife.
“It may be a great, fun place. The concern is what happens after they leave,” Dinowitz said at his Kingsbridge office on Monday evening. “And what we're all doing as neighbors, as government and as business owners to make sure that our neighborhoods remain safe.”
