Violent Car Meetup Sparks Outrage in Malba, Queens

A car meetup in the Malba neighborhood of Queens turned violent early Sunday morning, resulting in a couple being assaulted and a vehicle set ablaze. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on November 23, 2025, when over 100 cars gathered for reckless driving, including doing donuts and speeding on residential lawns. Local residents, including security guard Larry Rusch, attempted to intervene, leading to a chaotic confrontation.

New York Post

Residents reported that the situation escalated when Blake Ferrer, one of the victims, confronted the drivers on his property. “When I came out, I said, ‘Bro, you gotta get the f–k off my property,’ and that’s when it all started,” Ferrer recounted. Rusch, who parked a security vehicle in the intersection to deter the drivers, witnessed the mob attack Ferrer and his wife, who were both assaulted. Rusch described the scene as a “complete melee,” highlighting the chaos that ensued.

New York Post

The violence culminated in the destruction of Rusch's security vehicle, which was set on fire after an incendiary device was thrown inside. Ferrer sustained serious injuries, including a broken shoulder, ribs, and a broken nose, while his wife was also assaulted. The police response was criticized for being slow, with one neighbor noting it took 45 minutes for officers to arrive after the assault was reported.

ABC7 New York

In the aftermath of the incident, local residents gathered to discuss their concerns and demand increased police presence in the area. City Councilwoman Vickie Palladino, who represents Malba, expressed her outrage, stating, “To say this is a disgrace is an understatement.” She emphasized the need for the city to implement measures such as speed bumps to deter future gatherings of this nature.

ABC7 New York

Palladino warned that if the city does not take action to prevent such incidents, residents may take matters into their own hands. “If the city refuses to do what’s necessary, the people might,” she cautioned, reflecting the frustration of the community over the lack of effective measures to address the ongoing issue of reckless driving in their neighborhood.

ABC7 New York

The New York Police Department is currently investigating the incident, and local officials are calling for a review of safety measures in the area. Residents are hopeful that increased police presence and community engagement will help restore peace to their neighborhood.

ABC7 New York

• “Over 100 of them just filled the streets and wreaked havoc and terror on this neighborhood,” — Vickie Palladino, City Councilwoman

ABC7 New York

• “To beat up a neighbor like that, that's bad. I hope somebody catches them and I hope we find out,” — Larry Rusch, Local Resident

ABC7 New York

• “They came with their cars and wreaked havoc on this very quiet area of my district.” — Vickie Palladino, City Councilwoman

New York Post