More rape, car theft, less other crime

In first seven months, the 50th Precinct has kept a lid on crime — with a few exceptions

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A dispute that turned deadly marked the first and only murder for the 50th Precinct this year. Last year by this time there were two. 

Roderick Romney, 24, was shot in the throat at 2766 University Ave. just before 5 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, police said. Emergency personnel transported Mr. Romney, who lived on Reservoir Avenue, to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Before the killing, Mr. Romney left El Mangu Sabroso Restaurant at 80 W. Kingsbridge Road with Jason Delgado, 29, of University Avenue, when an argument between the two ensued. Mr. Delgado entered his apartment on University Avenue and returned, killing Mr. Romney with a 38-caliber revolver, according to police. Mr. Delgado fled the scene, but officers conducting a canvass of the neighborhood later detained him. 

Mr. Delgado was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, according to the Bronx District Attorney’s Office. The case is still under investigation. He is due back in court on August 19. 

The 50th Precinct’s low murder rate aligns with the citywide decline in murders, which is down by 8.6 percent this year. On the other hand, shooting incidents citywide are up by 10 percent, with a total of 584 shooting incidents as of July 27. 

Still, shootings in the Riverdale-Kingsbridge area are low. Last year, there were five shooting incidents, including the fatal University Avenue shooting. It still stands at five this year. 

Counting Mr. Romney’s homicide, there were 491 major crimes reported at the 50th Precinct this year to date one less than last year. In 2013, police at the 50th Precinct made 120 arrests. This year, arrests climbed to about 150. By historical standards, however, crime continues to decline. 

Rape’s uptick

Last year, no rapes were reported. This year, 10 have been reported. Of those, eight involved victims who knew their aggressors, according to Deputy Inspector Paul Rasa, the commanding officer of the 50th Precinct.

Police Beat, Crime, Murder, Roderick Romney, Kingsbridge, Rape
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