November 13, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week we announced that a Bronx man was indicted on murder and weapon possession charges for the stabbing death of a subway rider on September 30.

The 25-year-old defendant allegedly attacked Mesias Lojano on the J train as it pulled into the Woodhaven station around 5 p.m.

When the doors of the subway car opened, the defendant allegedly ran from the station with good Samaritans pursuing him. Responding police apprehended the defendant two blocks from the station.

The 59-year-old victim was a hard-working father and grandfather who was simply trying to get home from work. Commuters deserve to use our transit system without fear, and we will aggressively prosecute those who cause harm and mayhem on our subways.

If convicted, the defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

Our thoughts remain with Mesias Lojano’s family as we seek justice on his behalf.

My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe.



In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A Flushing driver has been indicted on manslaughter and other charges for the killing of a 1-year-old child, whom the defendant allegedly struck as the child was being pushed in a stroller. The defendant, 57, is accused of driving while under the influence of both cocaine and THC. If convicted, he faces up to five to 15 years in prison. 
• A 54-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder and other crimes for the stabbing death of a woman at a massage parlor in Flushing last week. If convicted, the defendant faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Information Wanted

Noel Hidalgo was beaten to death, and his body was found inside a multi-use building on Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill nearly 13 years ago. If you have any information about this murder, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Unlicensed Cannabis Shop Shuttered

An unlicensed storefront cannabis dispensary on Bell Boulevard in Bayside was padlocked for the second time this year.

A court-authorized search warrant executed at the 501 MORE cannabis shop –

as well as an apartment above it and an apartment in an adjacent building – resulted in the seizure of 1 pound of cannabis flower, a half-pound of THC vapes and more than 225 pounds of illegal flavored vapes. Two people were arrested.

Our investigation with the NYPD/NYC Sheriff Cannabis Task Force revealed a chute and pulley system from the store to the apartment above it to covertly transport product as well as a concealed compartment, pictured below.

The shop was previously padlocked in May when an estimated $10 million worth of products were seized.               

A Visit to Community Board 10

I recently had the pleasure of speaking at the Community Board 10 meeting in Howard Beach where I provided an update on the work we are doing to keep residents safe in their neighborhoods and beyond.

We talked about our ongoing efforts to seize unregistered and uninsured motorized scooters. Some riders park these two-wheeled vehicles illegally on the street or on sidewalks.

This is a public safety initiative that began in 2024 after receiving numerous complaints from residents. We have confiscated more than 1,500 scooters and will continue working with the NYPD and other law enforcement agencies.

Join Us at the Library

Meeting Queens residents where they live and gather, the DA’s Mobile Office provides local residents an opportunity to get the answers they need.

Members of the DA's office meet with the public at neighborhood libraries, answer questions and provide information on available resources. The next stop is November 19 at the Howard Beach branch on 156th Avenue.