Day: August 25, 2024

The Coney Island Cyclone remains closed indefinitely by order of the city, after the iconic rollercoaster malfunctioned Thursday and riders had to be evacuated.

The near-century-old wooden coaster’s train got stuck on the rails mid-ride on Thursday, and passengers had to be escorted off the steep, rickety tracks by staff.

The city’s Department of Buildings then hit Luna Park, which operates the historic coaster, with code violations and ordered the ride shut down indefinitely until the park fixes them and passes an inspection by DOB.

On its website, Luna Park wrote that the ride is “meticulously maintained and tested daily” and is “currently undergoing repairs.”

DOB said that the ride had malfunctioned due to a “crack on the chain sprocket,” and Luna Park was hit with violations including failing to maintain the ride and failing to inform the city in a timely manner, Gothamist reported.

amNewYork Metro has reached out to the DOB and to Luna Park for comment but has not yet heard back.

The Cyclone opened in 1927 during Coney Island’s heyday, and its long history mirrors that of the People’s Playground. By the mid-20th century, the rollercoaster deteriorated in tandem with Coney Island’s amusement parks, and was slated for the wrecking ball until being saved in the 1970s. The ride has malfunctioned and shut down several times since then.

Brooklyn detectives need the public’s help in finding the cold-hearted suspect who attempted to strangle a woman inside an apartment building last week.

The NYPD released on Saturday night video footage of the assailant sought for the horrific attack, which occurred in the area of Ocean and Parkside Avenues in Prospect Lefferts Gardens at about 11 p.m. on Aug. 22.

According to law enforcement sources, the perpetrator followed the victim, a 25-year-old woman, as she walked into the building, and pounced on her from behind. The victim and suspect did not know each other.

Police said he wrapped his arm around the woman’s neck, prompting her to scream “Stop!” and “Help!” The suspect, authorities reported, then told the woman to “Shut up,” and promptly let her go.

He then fled from the building and was last seen heading to parts unknown on foot.

The incident was reported to the 71st Precinct. Police said the woman refused medical attention at the scene.

Cops described the suspect as a man with a dark complexion.

Anyone with information regarding the incident or the perpetrator’s whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.