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Parks worker helped 10-year-old light firework that blew off her fingers, NYPD says
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Aug 12, 2026
Modified Aug 12, 2026
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By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Aug 12, 2026
Modified Aug 12, 2026
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The NYPD has charged a city parks worker it says helped a 10-year-old girl light a firework that blew off several of her fingers at a Staten Island park.
Joshua Moe, 24, was charged with reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the incident, which happened inside Gen. Douglas MacArthur Park around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, police said.
Officials said he was working in the park when the child asked him for a lighter, and he helped her ignite the explosive. Police said officers responded to a 911 call at the park and found the girl with a severe left-hand injury, including lacerations and dismemberment of several fingers.
The officers applied a tourniquet, and EMS workers took the child to Staten Island University Hospital North in stable condition, police said.
Moe was taken into custody shortly afterward, and was charged early Wednesday morning. according to the NYPD.
Police said they are still investigating how the child got the firework.
Information for Moe’s lawyer was not immediately available.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Tagged
nyc
nypd
parks and recreation
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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