106th Precinct Cop of the Month Andres Gonzalez receives congratulations from Capt. John Ganley, the precinct’s executive officer (l. to r.); Dep. Inspector Jeffrey Schiff, commanding officer of the 106th; and Community Council President Frank Dardani.
Photo Courtesy of 106th Precinct
With one arrest, the 106th Precinct Cop of the Month for November stopped a robbery in progress and took an illegal handgun off the street.
According to Dep. Inspector Jeffrey Schiff, the commanding officer of the 106th Precinct, veteran Police Officer Andres Gonzalez and Sgt. Joseph Mascia were in plainclothes, working Anticrime in an unmarked vehicle when the radio chirped about a 911 call regarding a possible burglary at a private residence on Lefferts Boulevard. Gonzalez and Mascia responded to the location and observed a suspect trying to forcibly gain entry into the building. While Gonzalez and the perpetrator scuffled briefly, a loaded 9mm Glock fell from the suspect’s waistband. Nobody was injured, and Gonzalez and Mascia were able to apprehend the suspect’s female accomplice as well.
“It’s a very good arrest,” Lt. Frank DiPreta, the command’s Special Operations coordinator, told The Forum. “It’s probably as good an arrest as you can come by.”
DiPreta went on to say that the perpetrator, who as of this week remained on Rikers Island on $10,000 bail, is an area resident with eight arrests on his record.
Gonzalez accepted his award last Wednesday evening at the 106th Precinct Community Council meeting.
By Michael V. Cusenza
