In response to two recent deadly incidents involving scooters, the authorities in the Bronx are intensifying efforts to curb the use of illegal vehicles that have been causing trouble and disruptions within communities. These incidents have prompted investigations into the role of scooters in criminal activities.

The first incident occurred in Mount Eden on Tuesday night, where four individuals were shot, resulting in the death of one man. Shortly thereafter, a man riding a moped lost his life in a crash. Police are now focusing on suspects who were seen riding scooters during both incidents.

According to the NYPD, the shooting incident unfolded when two rear passengers on separate scooters opened fire on the victims, who were standing on the southwest corner of East Mount Eden Avenue and Townsend Avenue at around 6:15 p.m. The gunmen, wearing masks and hoodies, fired 10 rounds, leaving one person dead and three others injured. The injured victims, aged between 23 and 37, suffered gunshot wounds to their legs. Tragically, 29-year-old Miguel Doleo was shot in the chest and leg, succumbing to his injuries after being rushed to the hospital. The suspects fled on their scooters, heading northbound on Townsend Avenue towards the Cross Bronx Expressway.

Later in the evening, a 34-year-old man was killed in a scooter crash near Waring and Barker avenues. The man was driving against the flow of traffic on a one-way street when police attempted to pull him over. He collided with an SUV, a parked vehicle, and a light pole. The man reportedly experienced a medical episode and was pronounced dead at Jacobi Hospital.

In recent months, the NYPD has been involved in a crackdown on illegal scooters, dirt bikes, and ATVs, with a total of 9,500 confiscations made since the beginning of the year. Out of these confiscations, 2,500 took place in the Bronx alone, leading to 1,300 arrests related to scooter-associated crimes.

During a press conference following the shooting incident, NYPD Assistant Chief Benjamin Gurley acknowledged the recurring involvement of scooters in illegal activities. He highlighted the challenge faced by law enforcement in differentiating between legitimate scooter users, such as delivery workers for apps like Uber Eats, and those involved in criminal behavior. The crackdown aims to strike a careful balance between ensuring public safety and not unduly targeting innocent individuals.

Authorities have taken one male into custody after the shooting but have not confirmed his direct involvement in the incident. The motive behind the shooting and whether the victims were specifically targeted or caught in the crossfire remain unclear. Investigators are also exploring potential gang-related links to the incident.

As investigations continue, the Bronx community hopes that the intensified crackdown on illegal scooter usage will help prevent further incidents of violence and ensure the safety of its residents.