Wald murder collar
On Monday, police announced that they have made an arrest and publicly identified the victim in the June 3 killing in the East Village’s Lillian Wald Houses.
The deceased has been identified as Michael Ayala-Rodriguez, 21, of the Bronx. Police initially had been withholding his name pending notification of his family.
Terrance Pugh, 24, a resident of 691 F.D.R. Drive, in the Wald Houses, has been charged with second-degree murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.
According to police, on Fri., June 3, at 1:52 a.m., officers responded to a 911 call of a male shot in the courtyard area of 890 E. Sixth St.
Upon arrival, officers found the victim with gunshot wounds to the torso. E.M.S. medics transported the man to Beth Israel Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Earlier this month, a police spokesperson told The Villager that the victim had previous arrests for pot, plus a number of sealed arrests.
“Could be narcotics related,” the spokesperson said. “He has a narcotics past. It looks like he’s a marijuana player.”
‘Stez’ gets stung
An officer said he observed a man making graffiti in front of 271 W. 10th St. on Fri., June 17, around 1 a.m. His tag read “Stez” in silver spray paint. Upon a search, the officer found two cans of spray paint on the man, according to a report.
Seamus Decker, 19, was arrested for misdemeanor making graffiti.
Scratch attack
A woman was assaulted in front of 321 Sixth Ave. early last Friday morning, police said. The victim told police that around 2 a.m. on June 17, she was hit by a female stranger, causing scratches and bleeding on her right lower back. The victim was able to point out the woman to police.
Shandaya James, 23, was arrested for misdemeanor assault. Police did not give a motive for the attack.
Hairy arrest
Police received a report on Fri., June 17, at 10:30 p.m., from a witness who said he saw a man remove an item from the shelf and put it in his waistband at the CVS store at 65 Fifth Ave. The man allegedly did not attempt to pay for the stolen property — a CVS hair trimmer valued at $13. Police recoveredthe item.
Joseph P. Stuart, 44, was arrested for misdemeanor petit larceny.
Nab neck puncher
A man leaving work in the Village on Thurs., June 16, at 5:45 p.m. was allegedly punched in the neck by a stranger in front of 526 Sixth Ave. The victim said he felt substantial pain and swelling.Carlos Samot, 39, was arrested for misdemeanor assault.
Emily Siegel
and Lincoln Anderson
