Jane Doe
In a recent article on a website called DNAinfo, Noah Hurowitz writes about a man who has been linked to two violent attacks near Union Square in New York City. The details pertaining to this particular felon provide ample information to relate it to the general theory of criminology. The incidents that are listed as offenses involving this particular individual show a history of minimal self-control, which creates the groundwork for justification in the application of the general theory to the crimes committed by this individual. The perpetrator, Gage Quinones committed the recent crime while released without bail on a drug arrest and an open warrant against him for a robbery in 2014 (Hurowitz, 2016). The fact that there is a criminal record of deviance present in the case of Quinones, one can concur that the felon clearly demonstrates a lack of self-control, which encourages him to make unethical criminal decisions.
Evidence of impulsivity can be found in the details of the recent attacks involving Quinones. While asking the 43 year old man, the victim, if he belongs to the street gang called the Bloods, the man responds with “what are you talking about?” which results in Quinones taking out a knife and stabbing the victim in the neck. It is evident that not much thought was put into Quinones actions as he approached what appears to be a stranger who unfortunately becomes a victim at the hands of the felon. The decision Quinones makes to flee the scene further confirms what is stated in the general theory about complete lack of self-control. One could see from this incident the erratic mindless decision making that the criminal follows in his disappearance from the crime scene. In regard to Quinones, the criminal record of the felon points to additional confirmation that can be related to the general theory of criminology.
Next, it is important to note the types of crimes committed by Mr. Quinones. On Oct. 29, 2014, he and an accomplice punch a man in the face and take $100 from the individual; October 15, 2015 he is caught selling Xanax to undercover officers who he proceeds to rob a cell phone and cash from; Nov. 15 he attacks a man with a brick and flees the scene; and on Nov. 7 he stabs the man in the neck (Hurowitz, 2016). Each of these incidents show signs of self-interest and immediate gratification, which are traits common to those with low self- control. Instead of working for the things he needs, he seems to choose the fast and illegal manner in his approach to obtain what he wants.
Based on the general theory when looking at the list of past and current criminal activity by Quinones, one could assume that the individual does not stop to think rationally, which encourages these dangerous deviant behaviors from repeatedly occurring. Rather than stopping to understand the repercussions, the individual appears to entirely forget the consequence associated with his actions in order to fulfil whatever urge is present in the moment. These types of criminal behaviors are likely to continue in Mr. Quinone’s life without proper acknowledgment of his impulsive and selfish deeds that need to be managed in order for him to stop engaging in criminal activity. In conclusion, examples like the one on Quinones can help establish awareness of future issues that a felon may have that need rehabilitative therapy to address. Perhaps if Mr. Quinones is taught how to have self-control, then he may re-direct his actions in the future in a manner that prevents his reckless behavior from becoming a crime.
Reference
Hurowitz, N. (2016, January 26). Man Linked to 2 Violent Attacks Near Union Square Arrested,
NYPD. DNAinfo. Retrieved from https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160126/union-square/man-stabbed-gang-related-attack-near-union-square-police-say
