Irish community fearful at night in Woodlawn after spate of violent assaults

Vicious assaults along Katonah Avenue sets fear into the Irish in the Bronx

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Paul Caldwell in happier time before the brutal attack that mean four brain surgeries

Photo by Family handout

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The Woodlawn Heights section of the Bronx is now seen as a danger area after dark by many residents.

A string of vicious assaults along the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, Katonah Avenue, has spiked concern among local residents.

“I’d definitely think twice about walking down Katonah [Ave.], particularly at nighttime,” says Tara Mahon, an Irish-American student. “With everything that has gone on, I’d much rather wait for a cab.”

Órla Heaney (21) – a student from Co. Armagh – says, “Though I feel safer among the Irish, I wouldn’t feel comfortable walking down Katonah Ave.”

The avenue, which features a number of bars, delicatessens, pizzerias and restaurants, caters to a largely Irish community. Its minimal police presence and proximity to the expansive, dimly-lit Van Cortlandt Park makes it a target for potential criminals.

Órla Kelleher, executive director of the Aisling Irish Community Center, believes that the number of police “is extremely inadequate in Woodlawn, and it seems the only people who have gotten this message and acted on it are these opportunistic criminals and scumbags. Sadly, this will probably continue to get worse as long as the police are not present to patrol and protect the Woodlawn community and its residents.”

Recently, Alisha Jordan (20) – a young immigrant from Co. Meath – suffered a brutal assault from a man standing outside a bank on Katonah Ave, in the early hours of July 14. Afterwards, her attacker fled into the park. In an interview with the Irish Voice’s Molly Muldoon, Jordan recalls thinking that her assailant was “just another weirdo on drugs or whatever.”

“I was so close to being home,” said Jordan. “I had walked home plenty of times before this. Needless to say I have not since.”

On August 21, 2011, Paul Caldwell – a 37-year-old immigrant from Co. Down – underwent a double cornea transplant and reconstructive surgery after his attacker threw him to the ground and kicked him in the face.

The incident occurred near 241st Street at approximately 3:45 a.m. By the time an ambulance had arrived, Caldwell’s attacker had fled into the park.

“I still can’t believe it happened,” said Caldwell to the Irish Voice’s April Drew. “I haven’t an enemy in the world and can’t understand how this could happen to me.”

On July 18, 2010, Dublin-native and father-of-two Barry McCormack (36) endured four brain surgeries and months of rehabilitation after his attacker punched him in the head.

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