Ridgewood, Queens – A local resident is facing thousands of dollars in repairs after his prized 2017 Maserati GranTurismo was vandalized in an overnight incident on Forest Avenue. Surveillance video captured two men approaching the car shortly after midnight on Thursday, one firing a shot that shattered the passenger‑side window and mirror, while the other slashed the driver‑side tires.
Owner’s Reaction and Community Concerns
Joshua Bialek, the car’s owner, said he ran outside when the vehicle’s alarm began wailing. “In this neighborhood, I want to feel safe, and when something like this happens right outside where you live to one of your prized possessions, it’s hard,” Bialek told reporters.
Bialek, who purchased the pre‑owned Italian sports car a year ago for his 35th birthday, typically stores the vehicle in a garage. He had parked it on the street after finding an open spot directly outside his apartment. “I just hope that the neighborhood and everybody kind of watches and looks out for each other, and that something like this doesn’t become a common or accepted occurrence,” he added.
Police Response
According to Bialek, a police officer happened to be driving by the scene shortly after the vandalism was discovered, and a report was filed. No arrests have been made at this time, and investigators are reviewing the surveillance footage for leads.
Repair Efforts
The damage includes a shattered passenger‑side window, a broken mirror, and two slashed tires. While the tires have already been replaced, Bialek plans to install the new windows himself after cleaning up the broken glass and debris. “I’ve never had to clean up the broken window and the broken glass like this before,” he said. “So everything, whenever it comes to repairing and fixing and messing with cars is a learning experience.”
Neighborhood Safety
Residents of Ridgewood have expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and community watch efforts. The incident underscores broader worries about property crimes in the area, prompting local leaders to encourage neighbors to report suspicious activity promptly.
City officials have not yet announced any specific initiatives in response to this particular vandalism, but community‑police partnerships in Queens have historically focused on outreach and neighborhood patrols to deter similar crimes.
What’s Next?
The NYPD continues to investigate, and anyone with additional information is urged to contact the precinct. Bialek hopes the incident will serve as a reminder for residents to look out for one another and for authorities to maintain a visible presence in the community.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
