Brooklyn, NY – The snow that swept through the tri-state area was responsible for more than just wild weather forecasts and treacherous roads – it also helped members of a community patrol track down an individual who was observed jiggling car handles and entering vehicles on the streets of Midwood.
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20 year old Terell St. John of Rogers Avenue in Flatbush was spotted yesterday morning by an alert resident of E 27th Street between Avenue P and Kings Highway. Both Rogers and another unidentified man were engaged in what appeared to be suspicious activity.
“We received a hotline call at about 3:20 AM from someone who was looking out the window and saw two guys trying car handles and getting into cars,” Bob Moskovitz of Flatbush Shomrim told VIN News.
Both men were gone by the time two Shomrim units arrived on scene. The volunteers began searching the area and started following a trail of footprints in the freshly fallen snow.
“It was 3:30 in the morning and there was really nobody else around,” noted Moskovitz.
The two suspects parted ways, with one entering an apartment building. Shomrim followed the other to Avenue J and Bedford Avenue.
“Our member saw him go in and out of driveways and go into a car,” said Moskovitz. “At that point, we activated the system and called the police. We pointed out the perp who had no idea that he had been followed and we woke up the homeowner whose car he was in and got him to file a complaint.”
St. John was arrested at 4:59 AM at 2980 Bedford Avenue for unauthorized use of a vehicle as well as for having an open bottle of alcohol.
Moskovitz called the episode a great example of collaborative policing.
“This is what Bill de Blasio wants, having police working together with the community. It is a perfect partnership.”
The NYPD’s 70th Precinct credited Shomrim for their help in the arrest, tweeting “Rule #1 dont break into cars during snow storm leaving your tracks – PO Papaleo & @FlatbushShomrim captured perp #NYPD.”
Moskovitz took the opportunity to stress the importance of keeping vehicles locked at all times and securing items of value.
“If they can get into your car and into your glove compartment they can get into your trunk too,” said Moskovitz, noting that he was aware of instances of people who have lost large amounts of cash and expensive electronics that were left in their cars. “If you have a GPS, don’t leave the suction cups on the window. Don’t leave wires hanging by your console and don’t even leave a nickel on your dashboard. These people will go up and down your driveway and have zero fear.”
Sounds like story of 100 years ago. Cute