Police Captain Catches Thieves Outside Carroll St. Subway Station

Two thieves picked the wrong escape route last week, when they found themselves in the direct path of the 's police captain.

On Thursday, September 6 at 7:57 pm, a woman, 32, had left her phone idle on top of an open table at , when it was pocketed by a pair of crooks who immediately fled.

A few minutes later, was patrolling down Smith Street in his police vehicle when the call came over the radio—and the thieves walked by.

"I was able to positively I.D. them from the description and immediately called for assistance," said Captain Schiff, who suspected the pair were headed toward the subway. 

But the getaway plan was no match for the 76's quick response units. Within another minute multiple police cars descended upon the subway entrance at 2nd St. and Smith St., answering the captain's call for backup.

By 8:08 pm the two men had been arrested, after they were found in possession of the victim's phone.

The pair were not first-time offenders: Maurice Mills, 20, a resident of the 76th Precinct, also has an active warrant for assault. His accomplice, Hakeem O'Neil, 18, lives in the 77th Precinct and has an open case for second-degree robbery.

In the event of a crime, residents are encouraged to always immediately report it to police. For non-emergency concerns, call 311 or attend the 76 Precinct's monthly  to discuss the issue in person.