Mob takes over New York City neighborhood, beats couple, sets car on fire

A mob took over a New York City neighborhood, beating up a couple and setting a car on fire.

The attack occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, when several drivers went to South Drive and 141st Street in Malba, Queens, doing donuts and speeding over the lawns of luxury homes, the New York Post reported.

“When I came out, I said, ‘Bro, you gotta get the f–k off my property,’ and that’s when it all started,” Blake Ferrer told the Post.

In a video of the incident, a group of about a dozen people is seen kicking, punching, and stomping on Ferrer, who ended up with a broken nose and ribs. Ferrer's wife was also hit.

Ferrer was “lucky he wasn’t killed,” New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (R) said, who represents the neighborhood.

Larry Rusch, 59, a local whose car was set on fire, called the incident “a complete melee.”

Rusch, who owns a security company, said he first heard the drivers performing donuts and went outside to see about 40 cars. 

He said he parked a company car in the intersection to try to prevent the drivers from continuing their recklessness.

“As soon as I did that, everyone started leaving,” Rusch said. “Then two individuals go up to the car. Somehow they threw some kind of firework or something and lit the car up. Then melee started again.”

"Response to this incident was less than ideal," Paladino posted on X on Sunday. "Residents reporting the incident to 911 were told that 'quality of life team' and 311 should handle the situation. Unacceptable. In fact, these violent street takeovers should be met with maximum force by the police department. We have NEVER had these problems before. Now it's an epidemic. What changed? We stopped arresting criminals.

"I am meeting this morning with the chief of department and the local precinct at the scene to discuss exactly what happened last night. I have already been assured that Malba will receive four dedicated patrol cars from this point forward, as well as additional security upgrades that we cannot disclose. However, the city MUST do something to stop this lawlessness," she added.

"I know for a fact there were multiple armed residents who exercised extreme restraint last night, however that level of restraint is not guaranteed. If the city refuses to do what's necessary, the people might. Once again I want to urge any residents of my district who are interested in obtaining their carry or premises permits to contact my office. We are offering assistance with the application process and legal fees to all who wish to exercise their constitutional right to self protection."