BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Frustrated residents in Brooklyn say they’re being terrorized by a man on a month-long crime spree.
William Little has been arrested four times in as many weeks, including for allegedly holding up a family as they returned to their apartment building in Borough Park.
Little was taken out of his Brooklyn apartment building in handcuffs, Tuesday, after allegedly threatening a young father and his family. “I have a 3-year-old, a 1.5-year-old, and a baby,” the victim said.
Police say the 39-year-old was caught on camera, appearing to carry a gun. Seconds later, the man, his wife, and their three young children came home — and had the weapon pointed at them.
“He takes a gun toward us, and I was shocked and frozen,” the father said. “I just ran out of the building and called the police.”
Police later confirmed the gun was an imitation, but neighbors say they’re still terrified as their encounters with Little escalate. “It’s not a way to live. We need help,” the father said.
Shmira Public Safety officers responded quickly to the scene on 55th Street in Borough Park around 7 p.m.
“He barricaded himself in his apartment before ESU came,” said Levi Leifer, a Shmira coordinator. “Local police were able to get him out of the apartment.”
Leifer said his safety patrol volunteers have helped arrest Little multiple times this month.
Court records show Little has been jailed four times in 30 days — including for allegedly stealing a cake at knifepoint and attempting an armed robbery, last month.
Neighbors say they and their children are living in fear inside their own building. “They don’t know where to turn,” Leifer said. “He got arrested three times but came out. He’ll be out a fourth time.”
“It’s not good for us. We’re trying to live happily and peacefully,” the victim added.
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office says Little is being charged with misdemeanor crimes in his most recent arrest, which does not allow prosecutors to request bail. In April’s robbery case, they did request bail, but he was released on his own recognizance.
English (US) ·