The 49th Precinct is seeking witnesses to a traffic incident that occurred on Saturday, October 18, at 4:10 a.m., near the corner of Morris Park and Holland avenues, which area residents believe may have something to do with the unpopular nightspot, Café Déjà vu.
The precinct is conducting an ongoing investigation into the hit and run, and put up an electronic sign in the vicinity of the accident urging residents with information to step forward.
The latest early morning disturbance has the Morris Park locals in an uproar. There is growing unrest among the residents that are demanding the lounge be shut down. Café Déjà vu’s liquor license was recently renewed by the NYS Liquor Authority, despite evidence of violations at the location.
“There were a lot of people outside, all I heard was a loud bang, and I thought someone hit a garbage can or something. A lot of people are saying different things about what may have happened,” said Emin Eltheithi, a 24-hour deli employee, located on the corner of Morris Park and Holland avenues, near the scene of the incident.
Sources indicated that an altercation allegedly occurred between several late-night revelers exiting Cafe Déjà vu, accompanied by loud shouting and a series of gunshots. The source also noted the hit and run occurred when someone took off in his or her vehicle, fleeing the scene, hitting customers leaving the 24-hour deli.
Café Déjà vu, located at 778 Morris Park Avenue, refused to comment regarding the details of the accident, but claims to have no involvement. Contrary to residents’ feelings, owner Rob Karagi recently explained the positive contributions his business adds to the neighborhood, such as attracting more businesses and people to the area.
Though there may have been several persons injured, it is confirmed that one victim of the hit and run was an off-duty officer.
“I saw the hit and run sign, but all I know is that it was an off-duty officer who was the victim of the hit and run,” said Community Board 11 member and Morris Park resident, Joe Bombace, who was upset such an occurrence would take place outside Our Lady of Solace church.
If anyone has information regarding the incident call the tips hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
