Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

The Fifth Precinct in Lower Manhattan has a new commanding officer, a local boy, Dep. Inspector Gin Yee, and he's not afraid to tow some cars, even if they belong to his co-workers. In fact, he's already towed 15 cars, 12 of which belonged to NYPD officers. Downtown Express reports:

David Eng, who co-owns Fong Inn Too tofu shops on Mott and Division Sts., said he saw Yee confiscate a permit from what he thought was a court employee on Tuesday before ordering the car towed. "I think he instilled fear in him," Eng said.

Eng and Lee said the streets have been mostly clear for tourists and delivery trucks since Tuesday. Dep. Inspector Yee said he has also noticed the streets have been clearer since the crackdown.

"I'm glad this captain is willing to stick out his neck," said Eng. "I haven't met him, but I heard he's a Chinatown boy - he's from the neighborhood; he cares about the community."

Yee said the crackdown was his decision but he has the support of Police Plaza. A police spokesperson said he had not heard about Yee's crackdown. He said it sounded good, before cracking a joke. "He's towing placards now? Cool," said the spokesperson, who did not give his name. "How are we going to get to work?"

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Queens Judge Orders City to Rip Up Half-Installed Astoria Bike Lane

The unprecedented ruling flies in the face of reams of data demonstrating the safety benefits of protected bike lanes.

December 5, 2025

Unions and Environmental Groups Push Council To Pass Delivery Protection Act

Intro 1396 would force Amazon and other delivery companies that use last-mile warehouses to ditch the sub-contracting model and directly hire their workers.

December 5, 2025

Watchdog Group Wants Hochul to Veto Bus Lane Parking Mulligan

Reinvent Albany thinks a carve-out for bus lane parkers in Co-op gives rule-breaking motorists a free pass.

December 5, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Visionary NYC Edition

New York City stands out among U.S. cities with "Vision Zero" programs. Plus more news.

December 5, 2025

DMV SCANDAL: New York Faces Uphill Battle Getting Back Fraudulently Obtained Licenses

A longtime NYC driving teacher dishes on a pair of shocking scandals at the New York State DMV.

December 4, 2025

State DOT Hurts Cyclists in Rt. 9 Draft Plan: Advocates

The plan to redesign the spine of the river towns misses opportunities to equalize road access and safety for all travelers, according to advocates

December 4, 2025
See all posts