Elected officials call for NYPD safety upgrades following fatal stabbing of 14-year-old in Williamsbridge Oval Park

The letter outlines several demands, including NYPD-monitored security cameras, increased police presence during after-school hours and weekends and a dedicated point of contact from the 52nd Precinct.

Natalie Hernandez

Aug 11, 2025, 9:40 PM

Updated 3 hr ago

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Bronx lawmakers are demanding safety upgrades at Williamsbridge Oval Park following the fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Angel Mendoza in a fight last week.
In a letter to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Council Member Eric Dinowitz, state Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr. called the attack the latest in a string of “brutal and preventable” incidents in the park.
The letter outlines several demands, including NYPD-monitored security cameras, increased police presence during after-school hours and weekends and a dedicated point of contact from the 52nd Precinct. The lawmakers are giving the NYPD 30 days to act, saying the Bronx is “done grieving while city agencies do nothing.”
Dinowitz provided the following statement:
"I would also like to announce that as part of a $10 million investment I made with discretionary funding, the Oval will be getting brand new lighting. With these measures, I am confident we can ensure the safety of this cherished community space and prevent further loss of life.”
News 12 reached out to the NYPD for a response to the letter and is waiting to hear back.