Sep 072012
 

In the early evening hours of October 18, 1988 Police Officer Christopher Hoban, a Xaverian High School graduate, and another narcotics officer arrived at an apartment on West 105th Street in Manhattan to make an undercover drug buy.

Upon entering the apartment things suddenly took a turn for the worse, as the two officers encountered a man who suspected them of being undercover police. In the ensuing struggle, shots were fired – striking and killing one of the suspects, as well as hitting Officer Hoban twice.

Mortally wounded, Officer Hoban was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital where he died.

The surviving suspects were later sentenced to 25 years to life. Hoban, who had been with the NYPD for four years, was 26 years old.

For the last 24 years, Police Officer Hoban’s alma mater has honored his memory with the Chris Hoban Memorial Run – a five mile race which, according to Home Reporter, “serves as the primary funding of the Hoban Scholarship.” The program offers tuition assistance to sons of New York City police officers who attend the all-boys Catholic high school.

This year’s race will take place on Sunday, September 16, starting at 10:30 a.m.

The course both begins and finishes at Xaverian High School, located on 71st Street and Shore Road. The race runs along the Shore Road Promenade bicycle path and returns via 3rd Avenue.

After the relief of a “nice downhill stretch” on 68th Street, it concludes with a “brief slight incline” up Shore Road to Xaverian High School.

The race also ends with the well regarded Hoban Backyard BBQ and Party – featuring food, beverages, kiddie rides and raffles, as well as music provided by DJ Tommy Tunes and Head Over Heels.

Online Registration closes on September 14, at 8 p.m. Eastern.

You can also register at pre-registration prices on September 15, at Xaverian High School, from 3 p.m. to  5 p.m.

Race day entry fees are $15 for Ages for ages 12 and under, $20 for ages 13-19, and $25 for adults 20 and over. Registration takes place from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. For more information, please visit hobanrun.org.

Jul 092012
 

The identity of a local business owner who matched the $5,000 reward offered by State Senator Marty Golden for information leading to an arrest in the murder of beloved clothing shop proprietor Mohamed Gebeli, has been revealed.

Jessica Bakeman is reporting on website Politics on the Hudson that Habib Joudeh – the owner of Pharmacy on Fifth [6914 5th Avenue] contributed half of the reward – which currently stands at $10,000.

From Politics on the Hudson:

During remarks at the Bay Ridge Arab American Bazaar held in Bay Ridge, Golden stated, “Mr. Gebeli was killed Friday night in an incident that has destroyed a family and has shocked a community. I am announcing this $5,000 reward today so to encourage anyone who may know something to help solve this case to contact the authorities.

“I thank local leader Habib Joudeh, of Pharmacy on Fifth, for matching the reward…”

The entire community remains on edge as neighbors, friends, and customers – many of whom are returning from summer weekends spent out of the neighborhood – continue to be shocked by news of Friday night’s deadly apparent robbery at Gebeli’s store Valentino Fashion [7718 5th Ave].

Jul 092012
 

Image source: Michael Melchiorre via Flickr.

Investigators are currently looking for suspects in the killing of a local business owner.

Police say an incoming 911 call on Friday night alerted them to 65-year-old clothier Mohamed Gebeli, whom the caller reportedly found unconscious on the floor of Gebeli’s store Valentino Fashion [7718 5th Ave].

After it was discovered Gebeli had been shot in the neck, he was rushed by first responders to Lutheran Medical Center. He was pronounced dead on arrival, according to ABC 7. Continue reading »