It all began Thursday afternoon, at a bank. I was filling out some forms and put my phone down beside me. Two minutes later, I realized my phone was missing.
Throughout the day, I tried to call the phone from different numbers to see if I can contact someone that may have it. Finally, towards the evening, a male answered the phone.
“My daughter found the phone in the bank; I have the same model and she thought it’s mine,” he said.
Being a good citizen, and also genuinely believing him, I offered him a generous reward of $300 for his trouble, if he returns the phone to me.
He happily agreed and we made up to meet that same day, at 3:00 pm at Chase bank. Three o’clock came and went and there was no meeting. I showed up at the bank, called and called, but no response. That night he contacted me again, saying we can meet tomorrow same time, same place.
That’s when the text came: “I’m gonna need $1,000 if you want me to return your phone.”
That was when I decided that it was time to get the authorities involved. This man was now extorting money from me, which is a crime.
My brother-in-law and I went to the 71st precinct and were introduced to Sergeant Rodgers, Officer Williams, Officer Sanchez and Officer Smith.
Immediately we felt we were in secure and confident hands. They were professional and helpful. They explained to us that this happens often and that since money was being extorted, he’s committing a crime and they would get our phone back and arrest him.
“I’m gonna need $2,000 for the phone,” came the next text. It was 2:45pm, getting close to the meeting time. The text also said that we should meet him at Atlantic mall. The officers took me and my brother-in-law, drove us over to Atlantic mall, while discussing the plan. We’d stay in Starbucks coffee waiting for the perpetrator and when we’d signal, the officers would jump in to do the arrest.
We waited and waited; 10, 20, 30 minutes passed. Finally we got a call. “Where are you?” asked the voice. I stood up and waved my hands so the caller would notice me.
He said he saw me and was coming over. We noticed him and 2 friends crossing the street towards us. He showed us the phone, my brother in law signaled, and within 5 seconds two officers had him on the floor, and the 3rd came and handcuffed him. We went back to the precinct where we waited for the officers to finish the report.
I want thank each officer for their dedication and the professionalism they showed to us. They ensured that we felt in competent hands and did a fabulous job with the arrest. Everything went as planned.
Another thought that I want to share is what most impressed me about the whole ordeal was how the officers interacted and dealt with us. They made us feel so comfortable the entire time. From when we walked in, they greeted us in a friendly way, they helped calm us, they took us in their cruise cars to the meeting and waited patiently with us.
Finally, I want to commend them for making the arrest so smoothly and making the whole experience the least dramatic and stressful as possible.
This was truly the work of brave selfless men, who give up their time and energies and devote themselves to the safety and security of our neighborhood.
This is just one story told, but there are many untold….
I salute you,
A resident of Crown Heights
Once when the officers do their job well it makes it to the news.
When studying in CH there was a criminal going around and slashing tires.
I asked officers, instead of putting up trucks and lights and going around patrolling, why don’t you just sit in a car dressed like a civilian and just catch the perp.
Their answer was: “We don’t have the training for that.”
Therefore taxpayers had to pay the overtime and security show and the guy was not caught.
Things will change when cops can get fired.
You offered him $300, and that wasnt enough he was being greedy, so he had what was coming to him
This is their job, what they’re paid to do.
Reward after phone received without letting them know beforehand.
If the guy was stupid enough not to know he’d be ambushed by the cops, I doubt he would have thought of that. Besides, it could have been an undercover cop both times.
For that reason alone I am glad I live in Europe!!! 🙂
why did you not realize that your phone was stolen?
why offer a thief a reward????????
“Jews have money”
well you proved that these comments are surely true
you were offering $300 bucks for your phone that he stole from you..
duh!
Never ever offer money in advance for someone who took your phone
He should have given it back without a reward
YOU DEFINITELY NEED TO THANK THE COPS-THEY DID AN AMAZING JOB, BUT IN MOST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES, WHEN A PHONE IS STOLEN, THE CARRIER DISABLES THE PHONE SO IT CAN’T EVER BE USED AGAIN. WE BEGAN HAVING THEFT PROBLEMS WHEN THE LAWS BEGAN TO TAKE EFFECT OVER THERE.
HERE, THE CARRIERS LOBBY CONGRESS AGAINST PASSING SUCH LAWS, MAKING US SITTING DUCKS.
My BIL had his car stolen. When they found it, both carseats were gone, as was an irreplaceable music collection. But the police made it clear that the case was closed and no further inquiries would be made. No arrest, no investigation. Oh, and he had to pay over $500 to pick up the car from the pound. Protect and serve. Preach it, brother!
the extortionist would have all your personal info from your phone, including your phone number. I would suggest changing at least your phone number
Nypd 71 pct doing a rare good deed for the community? most of the time it’s accuse ignore ticket what got into them?
Good job 71st
Amazing job well done
Congrats on a job well done NYPD
Yea totally. You should work for the FBI!…
It is important to show gratitude to the police. it is important to ensure that their interests are in line with our interests however the gushing over the fact that they really just did their job is a bit over the top in my opinion had they not listen to your story, had they not act professionally, had they botched the case and let a criminal escape, i would be upset that New York’s finest are a bunch of useless cops I’m happy for you that you got your property back and that things worked out in the best possible… Read more »
Maybe the reason that he didn’t extort her from the get go was so that he can spy on her at the first arranged meeting to see her face. Then when he does extort her, he knows if its really her that is coming to pick up the phone or if it is an undercover cop.
One more point: Never leave your phone (or wallet or keys etc.) unattended even for a moment – not in a bank, not at a chasuna, not in 770.
Why does he think anyone will pay $1000 for a used phone? YOu can get a brand new phone for much less and with smart phones as long as you’re synced you’re not loosing any info?
I dont think the offer of $300 gave him the idea to ask for $1,000. In my opinion, the extortion of $1,000 or more was the original plan. it seems like a planned attempt to me.
You offered $300 for his trouble? Don’t get it.
What if the perp has ur info now and gets his friends to revenge? This needs to be addressed with the police too.
The only thing should not offer 300 – triggered the appetite. Normal citizens should give back for free. Want to reward – only after you got it back
Love it Just amazing
i think you started the greed by offering him $300? your now saying he can do this twice a weeek and earn 600Z! your also telling him that its that valuable so maybe his friend said ask a little more..(i can so see it play out hes offering 300 aha maybe ask for more>>>)
Glad your story had a happy ending!
Very encouraging!May all extortionists get what they deserve and stop bothering innosent people
nice to hear this
thanks