Couple in Queens attacked by mob for protesting loud car meetup; their vehicle was set on fire.

A recent automotive gathering in Whitestone, Queens, escalated into a violent confrontation, resulting in significant injuries to a local couple and material damage. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, when dozens of vehicles convened for an impromptu meetup characterized by drag racing, donuts, and other reckless driving maneuvers near the intersection of 141st Street and 11th Avenue.

Witnesses reported that some participants began vandalizing property and igniting fireworks, leading to the ignition of an unoccupied gray Ford Fusion. Amidst the chaos, Blake Ferrer, 50, stepped outside his home to request that the drivers vacate his property, prompting an aggressive response from the crowd. His wife, Mellisa Ferrer, described the situation, noting the overabundance of vehicles on their block and the intense atmosphere as numerous spectators exited their cars.

Upon Blake’s intervention, he was violently assaulted by several individuals, an act that Mellisa attempted to thwart. She recounted fighting back against multiple assailants while trying to protect her husband and their home. Blake suffered extensive injuries, including a broken nose and multiple rib fractures, necessitating emergency medical care. He was transported to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens and is reported to be in stable condition, while Mellisa declined medical treatment following the ordeal.

City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino criticized the incident, attributing it to external elements from outside her district. She emphasized that such gatherings have occurred previously, but they have escalated to violence, expressing dissatisfaction with the police response. Residents, she reported, indicated that their pleas for assistance were met with a response indicating that the situation would be managed by the precinct’s Quality of Life team, which she deemed inadequate for the reported violence.

In light of the incident, an NYPD spokesperson confirmed that the Chief of Patrol for Borough Queens North had met with the councilwoman and local residents, pledging to increase police presence in the area to prevent future occurrences. However, the spokesperson noted that the precinct was managing multiple high-priority calls that night, which included a driving while intoxicated arrest and other serious situations. The car meetup remains under investigation as a case of criminal mischief, prompting ongoing discussions about community safety and law enforcement strategies in addressing such gatherings.