A very proud Deputy Inspector Joseph G. Courtesis said that, due to great police work, “a robbery was likely avoided” on Sunday, July 4.
For his efforts, Officer Joseph LaMonica was awarded “Cop of the Month” honors at the most recent 106th Precinct Community Council meeting, on Wednesday, July 14.
“Fourth of July is a really rough date for us,” said Courtesis. “This year, it was Sunday and it was really hot. We expected to have a lot of outdoor activity.”
Command-wide, officers confiscated 19 “huge” bags of fireworks and gave numerous summonses.
LaMonica, who was patrolling along Cross Bay Boulevard in an unmarked vehicle, saw a suspicious-looking car, whose occupants were talking to six young girls (about 12 years old). When the vehicle executed an illegal U-turn, LaMonica stopped the driver; the passenger immediately exited the car and looked ready to run, said Courtesis. When LaMonica observed a black and silver firearm in the backseat, both men were arrested.
One of the suspects had eight priors, and had even been arrested two days before for robbing a girl’s cell phone, according to the Deputy Inspector. Additionally, the gun had been reported stolen from Alabama. After old business – including having cars towed on Sutter Avenue – was addressed, numerous attendees complained about noise.
“I’ve been in Richmond Hill for 29 years,” said one woman. “It’s never been like this.”
Though many were upset over decibel levels, Precinct Council president Frank Dardani assured them that, “there are still a lot of noise complaints, but a tremendous dent has been made and the officers should be commended.”
Community Board 10 chair Betty Braton echoed the sentiment.
“As of June 30, the end of the fiscal year,” she said, “The number of noise complaints for the 106 is down to a 2005 level.”
Other issues included running red lights and dangerous intersections, especially 107th Avenue and 111th Street and Liberty Avenue and 111th Street.
Community Affairs Officer Kenneth Zorn reminded those assembled about National Night Out Against Crime, on Tuesday, August 3 at the Joseph P. Addabbo Playground. There will be no Precinct Council meeting in August. For more information, call Officer Zorn at 718-845-2228
