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Five-car accident backs up traffic on Belt Parkway

By Staff Writers

The accident was reported to the Fire Department shortly after 6 a.m., said Lt. Kevin Ganun, a department spokesman. The Fire Department said the drivers or passengers of the cars involved suffered only minor injuries. A request for ambulances was subsequently canceled, the lieutenant said.

Traffic in the eastbound lane of the parkway, stretching all the way into Brooklyn, moved at a sluggish pace for several hours even after the accident was cleared away. At least two smaller accidents were spotted by passersby on the Belt Parkway between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., the cars involved stalled in the shoulder.

The officials did not know whether the passengers or drivers in those accidents suffered any injuries.

Kew Gardens Hills store burglarized early Saturday

KEW GARDENS HILLS – A discount store in Kew Gardens Hills was burglarized Saturday, police said.

Det. Carolyn Chew said two burglars broke through the rear gate of the Super Discount Store at 70-72 Kissena Blvd. at about 1 a.m. Saturday.

They took $150, phone cards, and cigarettes, Chew said. Police were investigating.

Corona man nabbed in string of robberies

CORONA – A man suspected in a string of robberies throughout Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Corona was arrested Friday, police said.

The suspect was arrested Friday at 8 p.m. in connection with a series of telecommunication store robberies, Det. Carolyn Chew said.

Chew said the suspect allegedly entered the stores displaying a gun or knife and took cash or phone cards.

Elmhurst man charged in rape

ELMHURST – An Elmhurst man was arrested Friday night for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl on Dec. 1, police said.

Fernando Espinoza, 21, of 79-11 41st Ave, was charged with rape and endangering the welfare of a child, said Det. Carolyn Chew.

The victim reported the rape on Dec. 8, Chew said.

Jamaica man uses stolen credit card: Cops

JAMAICA – A Jamaica man was arrested Monday for allegedly using a stolen credit card to purchase $4,000 worth of computer equipment, police said.

Police Department spokeswoman Carmen Melendez said Pedro Vadicelo, 20, of 88-19 179th St. was charged with grand larceny, criminal impersonation and possession of stolen property.

79-year-old woman missing from Jamaica

JAMAICA – An elderly woman was reported missing on Friday, police said.

Carla Jenkins, 79, was last seen at the corner of Jamaica Avenue and Parsons Boulevard, said Det. Carolyn Chew.

Jenkins is 5 feet tall, 140 pounds, and was last seen wearing a black jacket with a gray fur collar and purple jogging pants.

35-year-old Maspeth man dead in apparent suicide

MASPETH – A man was found dead in his Maspeth home from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, police said.

The victim, 35, was found dead in his home on 69th Pl. at about 1 a.m. Saturday, said Det. Carolyn Chew.

Man, 51, found dead in home

MIDDLE VILLAGE – A man was found dead in his home Sunday in Middle Village, police said.

The victim, 51, was found dead at 62-27 84 St., said Officer Cheryl Cox. The death was not considered suspicious, she said.

Men take cash, cell phone

BLISSVILLE – Two men stole $80 and a cell phone from a livery cab in Blissville Sunday, police said.

Sgt. Elias Nikas said the livery driver picked up the two in Blissville at 35th Street and Starr Avenue at about 6:15 p.m. Monday, and the men instructed the driver to go to Brooklyn.

They then threatened the driver with a hard object before fleeing with $80 and a cell phone, Nikas said.

The cab had a safety camera, Nikas said, and 25 pictures were taken. Police were investigating.

Police warn of thefts on Northern Boulevard

BAYSIDE – 111th Police Precinct Capt. Anthony Mullen has issued a crime prevention warning because of a rash of thefts on Northern Boulevard in Bayside.

Mullen said people should be aware of their belongings at all times, and suggested that bags and personal items not be left inside cars, or if they have to be, they should be hidden at all times.

Police also say that, especially this time of year, it's best to try not to carry too much cash outside.

Community Affairs Officer Anthony Lombardi said the thefts have included purse snatchings along Northern Boulevard in the last several weeks.

For more information on crime prevention, call the precinct at 279-5295 or 279-5215.

Man stabbed in stomach

ST. ALBANS – A man was stabbed by another man Tuesday morning in a robbery attempt in St. Albans, police said.

Police spokeswoman Carmen Melendez said the victim, 33, was stabbed in the stomach at 115-24 201st by a man who was trying to rob him.

The victim was taken to Franklin General Hospital in stable condition, she said.

Police were investigating.