FIND OUT FRIDAY: DOUBLE FEATURE!
We’re back with another edition of Find Out Friday, but this time we’re giving you a TWO-FOR-ONE SPECIAL.
On Friday, September 18th (yes, these actually happened on a Friday), Yonkers Police Officer Steven Velasquez was patrolling the Cross County Center when he encountered not one, but TWO separate shoplifters attempting to make their getaway from Macy’s — BACK TO BACK!
FIRST UP: Michael Silvera, 45, of Mount Vernon, attempted to leave Macy’s with over $300 in unpaid merchandise. When confronted by Officer Velasquez, Silvera decided to test his speed instead of his luck. After a less-than-impressive attempt at fleeing on foot and an unsuccessful effort to bargain his way out of handcuffs, he was taken into custody- merchandise, hangers, security devices, and all.
ROUND TWO: One arrest wasn’t enough for the afternoon. Davon Mallory, 25, also of Mount Vernon, helped himself to merchandise from the same Macy’s before making a run for it. Officer Velasquez was back in action for a much longer foot pursuit, and with assistance from fellow YPD Officers, including Officer Tony Grippo, Mallory was apprehended. And Officer Tony G made sure EVERYONE knew it was Friday.
Both suspects tried fleeing. Both came dangerously close to being introduced to a Taser. And both thought they could make the whole thing go away by offering to give the merchandise back or pay for it. We’re not sure what jurisdiction allows that, but here in Yonkers, we don’t do streetside returns or transactions. Stealing in Yonkers will only earn you a free pair of metal bracelets and a first-class ride to our jail.
Both individuals were arrested and charged with Petit Larceny, Resisting Arrest, and Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree.
Different suspects. Same store. Same officer. Same result.
We heard Macy’s was having a sale. Unfortunately for our two friends from Mount Vernon- YPD was running a two-for-one special. Now they know.