By Howard Koplowitz
Police Officer Anthony Alicia handcuffed the suspect back on Dec. 19 at 4:21 a.m, according to 105th Precinct Capt. Steven Haynes.The arrest closed what the precinct called “burglary pattern No. 24,” which included more than 60 break-ins over a small area. The locations of the burglaries was not disclosed.”He's been a thorn in our side for quite some time,” Haynes said of the suspect. “This is one of the best arrests of the year.”The 105th also awarded its Cop of the Month for November to Police Officer Michael Edmonds, who caught a car theft suspect Nov. 1 after a brief foot chase, Haynes said. After his arrest, the suspect admitted committing seven burglaries in the 105th and 103rd precincts, Haynes said, and was rearrested for an additional 17 burglaries in the 103rd and six in the 105th.Another burglary pattern was closed due to the arrest, Haynes said, which he called “a great feat.”The council also played a DVD promoting the Police Department's Gunstopper program in which residents can receive $1,000 if they provide information leading to the arrest of someone in possession of an illegal handgun.On the DVD, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly notes that city residents can provide the information anonymously by calling 1-866-GUNSTOP. Callers will be given a case number and receive the cash with no questions asked.Kelly noted that more than 50 percent of murders are committed using illegal handguns.Haynes said the 105th Precinct has been distributing information cards about the program to high schools. He noted that most of the illegal guns come from outside the state.Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
