Two suspects believed to be Venezuelan migrants have been arrested for carjacking an off-duty New York Police Department officer in Harlem. The incident took place around 11:30 p.m. on Friday at West 146 Street and Bradhurst Avenue. According to sources, one of the suspects was carrying a fully automatic pistol when they approached the officer, who was inside his personal 2020 BMW.
During the carjacking, one of the suspects knocked the officer’s gun out of his hand, demanded the keys to the vehicle, and then drove off with the officer’s iPad inside. Investigators were able to track down the stolen car using the iPad and found it empty less than a mile away.
The two suspects, identified as Jomar Crespo, 21, and Jose Rivera, 20, from Waterbury, Connecticut, were eventually located by the police in the area. They were found with two guns in their possession. It was reported that the suspects provided fake names to the police during the arrest.
Photos of one of the suspects show tattoos on his neck that are believed to be linked to a Venezuelan gang. The suspects were charged with robbery, grand larceny of a vehicle, criminal possession of a machine gun, possession of a loaded firearm, possession of stolen property, making rapid-fire modifications to a gun, and unlawful possession of an ammo feed device.
The NYPD has not yet responded to inquiries about the incident. The suspects are currently in custody, with one of them posting bail of $15,000. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with criminal activities involving migrants from other countries.
It is essential for authorities to thoroughly investigate and prosecute such cases to maintain public safety and uphold the law. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face, even when they are off-duty. The cooperation between local reports and law enforcement agencies was crucial in apprehending the suspects and recovering the stolen vehicle.
Efforts to address issues related to gang activity and illegal firearms possession should be a priority for communities and law enforcement agencies. By working together and sharing information, we can help prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of our neighborhoods.