By Debbie Cohen
At a recent 102nd Precinct Community Council meeting, Capt. Charles McEvoy honored two of his own for quick-thinking and right-timing during their midnight shift on April 6 in the apprehension of an out-of-control, emotionally disturbed person.
Anthony Scapicchio and Matthew Rizzuto, officers from the 102nd Precinct, noticed a man standing on 124th Street in Richmond Hill covered in blood and holding a large meat cleaver. He was surrounded by a crowd.
The officers approached the agitated and screaming man as they called for backup. They then proceeded to isolate and contain him. He was then taken into custody after it was observed that two people were stabbed at a party he attended. The man was only in his early 20s, according to McEvoy.
“These officers were very brave and they did the right thing by containing, isolating and calming the disturbed male,” McEvoy said. “Things could have been worse.”
According to McEvoy, crimes within the 102nd Precinct have risen slightly within the last couple of months. He said the increase includes robberies and identity crimes. A T-Mobile store on Jamaica Avenue in Richmond Hill, for example, has recently been robbed. Also, the captain said there has been a lot of youth-on-youth crimes within the 102nd Precinct mainly cell phone and iPod thefts.
McEvoy warned everyone at the meeting to not leave credit cards, laptops or wallets unattended or in a car, where a thief can see them. There has been a decrease in car thefts, however, according to McEvoy.
Several residents complained about the prostitute activity on Rockaway Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue in Richmond Hill, especially on weekends. But McEvoy said the problem is now actively being addressed and his goal is to make the area free of prostitution. Cars will be confiscated from those seeking prostitutes, he said.
“Overall, we have a safe neighborhood within the precinct area and the 102nd Precinct is trying hard to maintain that,” said Maria Thomson, president of the 102nd Precinct Community Council.
In addition, and on a lighter note, on May 16 the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation will hold its 29th annual dinner-dance at La Bella Vita caterers honoring state Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Rockaway Beach) as “Woman of the Year.” “Man of the Year” and “Business Owner of the Year” awards will also be presented.
