Armed Robbery Suspect Charged in Harrison

The man suspected of carrying out a string of armed robberies that left commuters and police departments throughout the Sound Shore on edge for months appeared in Harrison Court Tuesday, charged with carrying out two of the eight robberies within town borders.

Olivier Famby, 19, faces two felony charges of first-degree robbery and a felony assault charge in connection with robberies on  and  near the Harrison Train Station. He is already charged with one felony count for possessing a stolen gun and three felony counts of robbery out of Pelham, with charges pending relating to three other incidents in Mamaroneck and .

Wearing black jeans, a black Ralph Lauren sweater and black sneakers, Famby, 19, did not speak during a brief appearance in Harrison Court Tuesday. Town Justice Nelson Canter remanded him to Westchester County Jail until his next scheduled appearance on May 15.

Famby, who lives in New Rochelle, and his legal-aid attorney both declined to comment to reporters while leaving the court house.

Police believe Famby's string of robberies ended early Friday morning when he was arrested near the Pelham Train Station. Pelham police Sgt. Christopher Casucci noticed Famby's car, a dark-colored BMW, parked on the 100 block of Corlies Avenue in Pelham. The car had not been parked at that location earlier in the night and Casucci checked it out to see if there was anything suspicious about it.

After inspecting the vehicle, Casucci went back to his patrol vehicle so he could ticket the BMW for violating the village’s overnight parking law, the department  Monday.

When Casucci noticed Famby occupied the vehicle, he interviewed Famby, who allegedly began making up stories for why he was parked in Pelham. Casucci then noticed what police described as a Czechoslovakian manufactured handgun on the floor of the driver’s side of the vehicle. It was later determined that the gun had been reported stolen in Pennsylvania.

Casucci entered the vehicle, took the gun and called for backup. Officer Ryan Carden responded and provided back-up while Famby was taken into custody and placed under arrest.

Pelham police detectives Rick Deere and John Hynes, along with officers from neighboring police departments, interviewed Famby. Detectives said Famby confessed to the crimes in less than two hours. Famby did not tell police his motives for committing the robberies and it is still unclear how he obtained the gun.

The Harrison charges stem from two incidents earlier this year, the first on Feb. 9 on South Road as a male victim walked home from the Harrison Train Station. As the victim crossed the I-95 overpass, police believe Famby struck the victim in the back of the head, taking a cell phone.

On April 10, police believe Famby returned to Harrison, showing a dark colored handgun and taking a cell phone, briefcase and cash from another man walking home from the Harrison Train Station. This time the robbery took place on Harrison Avenue near the Park Avenue intersection.

Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini praised the Pelham Police Department for their efforts, adding that investigators from Harrison were also moving toward an arrest when Famby was picked up in Pelham.

"We were probably within days of identifying and apprehending Famby," Marraccini said, adding that the department has compiled a good amount physical evidence while following leads in the Bronx. "But days can be an eternity when somebody is potentially injured in a crime, so I can't tell you how pleased I am for Pelham and our community that they made this apprehension."

Marraccini said Harrison investigators were there when Famby made his alleged confession, and thanked Pelham police and surrounding jurisdictions for their teamwork during the lengthy investigation.

Harrison Police will now move forward collecting physical evidence and witness statements as the case moves forward.

"Our work is not done," Marraccini said.

Although no felony hearing has been scheduled in Harrison, Famby's attorney told Judge Canter she will hold motions for bail until the felony case moves to Westchester County Court. She also asked that Harrison Police stop interviewing her client because he has obtained council. Canter acknowledged the request and had it placed on the record.

Harrison Police detectives transported Famby back to Westchester County Jail Tuesday afternoon; he is expected to appear in Pelham Town Court Tuesday.

Michael Woyton and Rasheed Oluwa contributed information for this report.