Police Blotter: Burglar(s) on the Loose

BURGLAR(S) ON THE LOOSE

Several burglaries, similar in nature, were reported in the area, where cash was stolen or the cash register was taken. 

The owner at Mohegan Deli, 1965 East Main St, reported on August 23 at 6:28 a.m. that the cash register was missing.

Police responded to a burglary report at Four Seasons Beauty Salon, 1879 East Main St., on August 24 at 3:16 a.m. They determined the rear door was kicked in.

Police responded to a burglary alarm at Dynamic Gymnastics, 1949 East Main St., on August 24 at 3:32 p.m.

The front door at Custom Cuts Hair Salon, 400 East Main St., was smashed and the cash register was removed.

On August 25 9:24 a.m. Police received a report about a stolen register at Valley Market, 400 East Main St. And at 9:44 a.m. Lakeside At Osceola, Inc., 399 East Main St., reported burglary.

Police said the burglaries are related and anyone with more information can anonymously send their comments to the Yorktown Police Department Tip Line at 914-962-TIPS (8477).

On August 20, an Overlook Commons resident reported criminal mischief after he believed someone had done damage to his car by "keying" it. He then called back and said he did not want a report, because the "keying" was in crayon and he had washed it off.

Police arrested Carmine Picone, 23, of Yorktown, on August 21 and charged him with third-degree assault, a misdemeanor. Officer Kenneth Sgroi responded to an Ogden Drive residence on a report of domestic violence. Picone was arrested for allegedly slapping and choking his sister. An ambulance was requested for the female who was having difficulty breathing. Judge Gilbert issued the defendant a temporary order of protection and he was released on his own recognizance. He was due in court on August 26.

Police received a report on August 22 at 12:23 a.m. of a male falling into the Croton Reservoir, who could not be located. Officers Foley, Madaus and Fister responded. The Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps were dispatched per county control. The man's body, 19-year-old Brendan Frail, was found nine hours later.

On August 22 at 2:05 p.m. police arrested a 16-year-old male, whose name is being withheld due to eligibility for youthful status offender, Gavin J. Okipi, 19, Steven D. Romero, 19, and Stephen M. Barakat, 21, all of Yorktown. They are charged with loitering, a town code violation. Barakat was additionally charged with possession of two open alcohol containers, town code violation. Officer Sgroi was on patrol at Sparkle Lake, 178 Granite Springs Road, when he allegedly saw the males loitering at a town park after hours of operation. They are due in court on September 7.

Police arrested Joseph Watson, 24, of Mohegan Lake, on August 20 and charged him with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. Police officer Angel Garcia was on patrol when he saw a vehicle with a defective muffler. A vehicle and traffic stop was conducted, during which it was discovered the driver was in possession of marijuana. Watson was arrested and released on his own recognizance. He is due in court on September 21.

Police Chief Daniel McMahon announced that during the evening hours of Monday, August 23, members of his department used undercover, underage agents to conduct alcohol appliance checks at 16 licensed locations within town. The effort was sponsored by the Alliance for Safe Kids, and was part of a local, federal funded study to combat underage drinking. All 16 establishments checked and refused to sell alcohol to the underage agent.

The following did not sell alcohol: DeCicco's Market Place in JV, Ginny's Wine and Liquors, Jefferson Valley Service Station Mini Mart, Jefferson Valley Lanes, Charlie Brown's Restaurant, Augues Steak House, Shrub Oak Food Store, Shrub Oak Deli, Steinman's Gomer Street Deli, Valley Market, Parkside Wines and Liquors, Suburban Liquors, Kirby's Restaurant, Hess Mart Route 202, Shrub Oak Getty, and Courtesy Mobil Route 202 Crompond Road. Chief McMahon said these random, unannounced compliance checks would continue.

A Stony Street resident reported to police to have heard the sound of breaking glass on August 24 at 4:13 a.m. Officers Hassett and Pavletich checked the exterior but didn't find anything. On call back, the resident believed it was a dream, police said.

Police arrested Jose Thomas Hernandez, 50, of Mohegan Lake, and charged him with second-degree assault, a felony. On August 24, at 4 a.m. police received a report from the Hudson Valley Hospital that a stabbing victim from Mohegan Lake had arrived at the emergency room. Officer Paul Dillon and Detective Tausz revealed that the victim and Hernandez had a verbal argument, which escalated into a physical confrontation. It is alleged the defendant recklessly stabbed the victim causing serious physical injuries. Judge Gilbert arraigned Hernandez and remanded him to the Westchester County Jail at no bail. 

Police arrested Charles J. Triano, 44, of Bridgeport Conn., and charged him with menacing in the second degree, a misdemeanor. Police were called to a Valleyview Street residence on a report of a physical altercation between contractors. Allegedly, Triano menaced another worker with a hammer. The defendant was issued a temporary order of protection on behalf of the victim.