Story by Ethan
On December 19th, 2024, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictment of Kew Garden Hills resident Alan Rodriguez. District Attorney Melinda Katz commented “As alleged in the indictment, the defendant shot two men over a parking dispute. This was a completely senseless act of violence, and the two victims will now carry injuries for their rest of their lives. My office is committed to removing illegal guns from our communities.” Alan Rodriguez was charged with two counts of Attempted Murder in the second degree, two counts of Assault in the First Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.
According to New York Police, around 8:30 p.m. on November 3rd, 2024, Jingesh Patel, Vijay Patel, and two other men were standing outside of their silver Toyota double parked on 79th Avenue in Kew Garden Hills, New York. Alan Rodriguez’ vehicle, a black Acura MDX, then pulled up beside them as he was in the passenger seat, along with a male driver and another female passenger. Alan Rodriguez then exited the vehicle and began to argue with Jingest Patel and Vijay Patel about the parking situation. He then pulled out a 9mm pistol, and started shooting, hitting one victim in the foot and the other in the knee. When police showed up to the scene, both victims were swiftly transported to the hospital to be treated for their wounds. New York Police also said 5 bullet casings were recovered from the incident.
The Queens District Attorney’s Office stated that the charges against Alan Rodriguez are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
