Armed, Unlicensed Bounty Hunters Arrested In Queens

ASTORIA, QUEENS — Two unlicensed bounty hunters were arrested Tuesday in Astoria after deputy sheriffs patrolling the neighborhood spotted them dining outside a local bar, according to the New York City Sheriff's Office.

The duo had a cache of weapons and equipment that included an air pistol, a baton, unspecified "chemical agents" and handcuffs.

Sheriffs also found vests that read "fugitive recovery agent, warrant division" in the duo's possession.

A representative from the city's finance department, which includes the sheriff's office, identified the duo as Manhattan residents Arkeem Spencer and Jonathan Devin.

Mayor Bill de Blasio ordered the sheriff's office to patrol Astoria and enforce restrictions meant to curb the spread of the new coronavirus, prompted by recent viral videos of Steinway Street filled with raucous partiers.

A team of deputy sheriffs were carrying out those orders overnight Tuesday when they spotted two men dining outside M.I.A. Bar on 21st Street wearing the garb of bail enforcement agents, who are required to have a state license.

The men left the bar, which had its liquor license revoked Tuesday for flouting outdoor dining guidelines, and got into a car as the sheriffs approached, according to a Department of Finance official.

7/21/2020 : Deputy Sheriffs while conducting enforcement operations on Steinway Street, Queens arrest 2 unlicensed bounty hunters for a multitude of illegal weapons and equipment possession: air pistol, baton, chemical agents, handcuffs and various motor vehicle violations. pic.twitter.com/q9w7lMQiJ4
— NYC SHERIFF (@NYCSHERIFF) July 22, 2020

The sheriffs searched the men and found that they weren't licensed bounty hunters, and that they had illegal weapons in their possession.

Spencer and Devin now face charges of criminal impersonation, criminal possession of a weapon and possession of burglary tools, Department of Finance representative Jennifer Brown said.

Spencer was also charged with driving on a suspended license and driving an unregistered vehicle.

The men received desk appearance tickets.

This story has been updated with additional information from the NYC Department of Finance.