Law enforcement officials, Rotary members and civic group leaders assembled in a reception hall at Villa Russo on Wednesday, April 25 for the Jamaica Rotary’s monthly meeting to discuss current matters and celebrate the outstanding work of local police officers.
From the 102nd Precinct, officers Christopher Valand and Pablo DeJesus received recognition for their takedown of three individuals who had stolen a car. On March 30, the officers observed an Infinity with three people inside. After eyeing the cops, the vehicle sped off and the officers chased after them, radioing in the car’s description to a dispatcher. While in pursuit, the police saw the doors open several times with the suspects displaying firearms. The officers were able to apprehend two of the perpetrators during the pursuit and the third was arrested when he attempted to report the car was stolen.
On Friday, March 2 around midnight, officers William Connick and Mathew Rehman from the 103rd Precinct were out on routine patrol when they heard two gunshots coming from a south Jamaica housing development. The officers spotted an individual holding a gun and another individual on the ground who appeared to be injured. After chasing the individual on foot, he attempted to enter a car with a man and a woman inside. All three individuals were arrested and a 22-caliber, semi-automatic gun was obtained. These arrests led to 11 other arrests and the recovery of five firearms.
Officers Thomas Reo and James Dameron from the 113th Precinct were rewarded for their excellent police work as well. On Sunday, March 18, while on patrol in an area of known gang activity, the officers saw a suspicious looking vehicle with three individuals inside. After inciting a foot pursuit with the individuals, police obtained two loaded .9 mm firearms. Of the three individuals, one was on parole for robbery, one had a history of burglaries and the other was recently released from jail. All three were apprehended by police.
“Burglary is a constant battle,” said 106th Precinct Captain Thomas Pascale when it came time for him to award the officers from his precinct.
On Wednesday, April 18, officers John Gridley, Michael Ranoide and Filip Glowa saw an individual wearing gloves and carrying a flashlight. When they questioned the individual about his reason for being in that area, he claimed he was visiting his girlfriend but could not provide her name or address. The man was positively identified as someone who had been seen in a home where a burglary took place and he was arrested. This suspect has been caught for burglaries in several precincts and has spent 15 years in prison.
