By Ivan Pereira
While the police are trying to figure out how a suspected con artist stole a gun from the 103rd Precinct last month, the station house has been taking precautions to make sure that never happens again, a source said.
Ronald DeShields, of Nassau County, turned himself in two weeks ago after he reportedly went into the Jamaica precinct at 168-02 P.O. Edward Byrne Ave. Jan. 15, posed as an FDNY fire marshal and made his way inside after talking to an officer, according to the New York Post.
DeShields, 36, allegedly broke into a locker belonging to a lieutenant Jan. 15 and stole his service firearm, which he later turned in at a Brooklyn precinct for a gun buyback program, the paper reported.
The NYPD declined to comment about DeShields’ arrest, but Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said he had posed as law enforcement members in the past.
A police source said members of the precinct have been shocked about the whole incident because it happened right under their noses. The lieutenant had locked his locker and is always cautious when it comes to his belongings, according to the source.
“It’s been a nightmare for him. I feel so bad for him,” the source said.
The precinct has been changing its procedures since the theft, according to the source.
“They are making us sign in, they are making us show ID. They are taking precautions,” the source said.
The Post said DeShields may be connected to another robbery of a gun at the 105th Precinct in Queens Village, but no additional charges have been filed. He has had a history of impersonating members of service in the past, according to the Post.
EMS crews and firefighters frequently visit the station house on business, so it is easy to understand how DeShields slipped in, the source said. The timing of his reported visit also might have played a role in his scheme, according to the source.
“I’ve been there on Saturdays, and that floor is pretty much deserted,” the source said.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
