This suspect is the focus of a police investigation in which he is wanted in connection to numerous purse snatchings in Queens and for running down an officer of the NYPD who was attempting to arrest him for one of the crimes in Astoria two weeks ago.
A call from one concerned citizen to 911 led police in the 112th precinct in Forest Hills, to be on the lookout for two individuals whom the caller reported as acting suspiciously last Thursday. A detailed description of the suspects was provided, but by the time the officers reached the location, the individuals had been scared off by the 911 caller and were no longer in the area.
Plainclothes officers scoured the surroundings and upon coming across two individuals fitting the caller’s description, continued with their observation. According to Captain Thomas Conforti, Commanding Officer of the 112th precinct, upon following the suspects, one of the males was observed entering a driveway, while the other remained outside and acted as a lookout. The man who entered the driveway proceeded to burglarize the home. Additional police were called in and both suspects were placed under arrest and charged with burglary and petit larceny.
Detectives at the 112 are currently investigating whether a second burglary, which occurred right behind the first house, was committed by the same duo.
Captain Conforti also expressed his gratitude to the 911 caller and his encouragement for residents to get involved and report things to the police. He also praised the contributions through what he referred to as a “great community partnership…starting with the vigilant resident and 911 caller.”
The two individuals that were apprehended for burglarizing a house on Selfridge Street were both minors, one was 15 the other 17, neither of whom resides in the community. One is believed to be a resident of Woodhaven and the other is from Middle Village. Sources say the 15-year-old has had previous encounters with the law.
These two latest burglaries bring the total in the same area to six. The CO has pledged to continue to provide the community with stepped up plain clothes patrol throughout the area.
The 112th precinct is also asking for help in identifying and arresting an individual that is responsible for a number of purse snatchings in Queens including on most recently when a woman forcibly had her pocketbook taken while walking on Saunders Street. The same man is wanted in connection to a similar robbery two weeks ago in Astoria. The suspect ran over a police officer who was trying to arrest him for the robbery. Police ask that you call 911 immediately if you see this man.
In addition, the 112th Precinct Council is preparing to host an online meeting so that the precinct can increase the contact with residents not able to make physical meetings. “There are people who just can’t make it to the prescribed time of our monthly meetings,” said Capt. Conforti. “In order to reach as many residents as we can, we are attempting to get set up to be able to interact with a lot more people on the internet by hosting a virtual meeting online.” Final details will be released in The Forum.
By Patricia Adams
