Elected officials stand up for subway venders after recent churro arrests

Elected officials, community members and transit riders surrounded vendors Wednesday outside the Myrtle Wyckoff train station – and called on transit officers to stop arresting people selling churros in the subway stations.

News 12 Staff

Nov 14, 2019, 12:52 AM

Updated 1,631 days ago

Share:

Elected officials, community members and transit riders surrounded vendors Wednesday outside the Myrtle Wyckoff train station – and called on transit officers to stop arresting people selling churros in the subway stations.
The push comes after video was widely shared showing the arrest of a woman who sells churros in the subway station. Photos of a second incident were tweeted out on Monday.
According to the MTA’s rules of conduct – unauthorized commercial activity, including the distribution of food, is not allowed on any facility.
NYPD Transit responded to Monday’s incident on Twitter, saying "This unauthorized vendor was given a warning and told to leave the station. She returned a short time later. Officers attempted to issue her a summons but discovered she had open warrants."
A woman who identified herself as Carmita, a licensed street vendor, told News 12 that she has been arrested more than once and that she's trying to make a living for herself and her children.
Elected leaders say they believe there are much more important places where the state’s money and resources should be going.
"There are actual crimes that need to be prosecuted,” says state Sen. Jessica Ramos. “We want police officers to keep us safe…churro ladies are not a menace on the subway."
They are demanding Gov. Andrew Cuomo halt his plans to hire 500 additional transit officers and repurpose that funding to make the MTA more reliable.
Ramos has introduced legislation to allow more churro vendors to sell in the subway without fear of harassment.
"Most of whom have undergone the licensing requirements through the Department of Health and have paid their taxes already and still aren't given a permit for vending because there's a limit and a very long waiting list," she told News 12.
News 12 reached out to the governor's office for a comment about the funding.


More from News 12
1:38
Police: 1 killed, 4 severely injured in fire and explosion at Old Bridge business

Police: 1 killed, 4 severely injured in fire and explosion at Old Bridge business

2:27
Beautiful Thursday weather ahead; clouds and rain develop by the weekend

Beautiful Thursday weather ahead; clouds and rain develop by the weekend

0:30
Police: Boys bring loaded gun to indoor trampoline park, firearm accidentally discharged

Police: Boys bring loaded gun to indoor trampoline park, firearm accidentally discharged

2:21
Lacey Township officials address residents’ concerns about water quality issues

Lacey Township officials address residents’ concerns about water quality issues

0:18
Officials: 14 injured when NJ Transit bus collides with Jeep in Jersey City

Officials: 14 injured when NJ Transit bus collides with Jeep in Jersey City

1:39
Teacher testifies on second day of trial of father accused of fatally abusing son

Teacher testifies on second day of trial of father accused of fatally abusing son

0:43
Jersey Proud: Girl Scouts deliver cookies to 2 NJ veterans hospitals

Jersey Proud: Girl Scouts deliver cookies to 2 NJ veterans hospitals

0:39
Mother who accused Marlboro teacher of molesting daughter files lawsuit

Mother who accused Marlboro teacher of molesting daughter files lawsuit

1:01
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show to return to the Hudson River

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show to return to the Hudson River

0:26
‘Sounded like a truck was driving by’: 2.6 magnitude aftershock hits Gladstone, USGS says

‘Sounded like a truck was driving by’: 2.6 magnitude aftershock hits Gladstone, USGS says

1:34
Police: 7 people, including a baby and 3-year-old, injured in NJ Transit bus crash expected to be OK

Police: 7 people, including a baby and 3-year-old, injured in NJ Transit bus crash expected to be OK

0:28
Funeral arrangements announced for fallen Passaic police officer Brian Lora

Funeral arrangements announced for fallen Passaic police officer Brian Lora

1:47
NJ DOT to provide free shuttle service during Route 71 Shark River Bridge work repairs

NJ DOT to provide free shuttle service during Route 71 Shark River Bridge work repairs

Person struck, injured by NJ Transit train near Plauderville Station

Person struck, injured by NJ Transit train near Plauderville Station

0:27
Police: Burglars in Glen Ridge steal key fob and get away with homeowner's car

Police: Burglars in Glen Ridge steal key fob and get away with homeowner's car

0:42
Bradley Food Pantry to temporarily close on May 17

Bradley Food Pantry to temporarily close on May 17

0:16
Officials: 17-year-old girl in critical condition following Newark shooting

Officials: 17-year-old girl in critical condition following Newark shooting

0:19
Kitten saved from sewer in Newark

Kitten saved from sewer in Newark

0:17
Martinelli's apple juice recalled over high arsenic levels

Martinelli's apple juice recalled over high arsenic levels

0:33
What marijuana reclassification means for the United States

What marijuana reclassification means for the United States