Oct. 14, 2011 By Christian Murray
A police helicopter woke up hundreds of Sunnyside/Woodside residents early Tuesday morning as cops undertook a search for three men who broke into a store on Greenpoint Ave. and 41st Street.
The helicopter started its pursuit at around 5:00 am Tuesday after a convenience store at 41-11 Greenpoint Ave. was burgled. The men broke in through the roof and stole cigarettes and pre-paid calling cards.
The helicopter was called in since the burglary was deemed “in progress”, according to police. The helicopter stayed in the area for an extended period of time as it searched nearby roofs and alleyways.
“I live just north of 50th Ave. and 41st Street,” said John K Wilson, a local resident. “I swear this thing was 40 feet above my roof and it was there a good 15 minutes. The lights were flashing—it was incredibly loud.”
Nineteen police cars also arrived on the scene.
The perpetrators did manage to flee, police said. However, the police were able to recover video evidence and were in the midst of combing over the store for finger prints.
