Cuffed By Cops For Break-In Bids
Police were hot on the trail of an alleged burglar busted last Friday afternoon, Sept. 28, for allegedly trying to break into three residences around Elmhurst in a span of about two hours, law enforcement sources said.
The suspect was identified by authorities as 49-year-old Juan Cuervo of 60th Street in Woodside. According to information provided by the Queens District Attor- ney’s office, Cuervo was cuffed by members of the NYPD Patrol Borough Queens North Burglary Larceny Apprehension Suppression Team (BLAST), who had been investigating him as part of an ongoing burglary pattern.
Police said the trouble began at around 2:50 p.m., when the suspect was observed by police allegedly trying to enter a home in the vicinity of Grand Avenue and 79th Street. Reportedly, Cuervo ran away from the location after a resident spotted him damaging a screen on a window.
About 40 minutes later, authorities noted, Cuervo was allegedly seen again by police walking in the area of 54th Avenue and 90th Street at around 3:30 p.m.
Security camera video obtained from the area later showed Cuervo allegedly damaging the front door of a home in the area while unsuccessfully attempting to gain entry, according to the criminal complaint.
Finally, police stopped the suspect as he reportedly tried to gain access to a home on 57th Avenue between Van Horn and Seabury streets at around 4:15 p.m. Friday.
During a search of his car, the officers reportedly found several alleged burglar’s tools-such as a crow bar, two screwdrivers and gloves- contained within a black bag.
Curevo was booked on charges of second-degree burglary, second-degree attempted burglary, possession of burglar’s tools, criminal mischief and criminal trespassing
Court records noted that he was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court last Saturday, Sept. 29, before Judge Toko Serita, who ordered him held on $20,000 bail. The suspect is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 18.
