Top Cop February 2009

On February 12, 2009 Police Officers James Schmettan and Joseph Albergo were working in plainclothes assigned to the First Precinct Gang Abatement Program. As the Officers were patrolling Uniondale they observed a suspicious vehicle occupied by 2 males in front of a known drug location. The officers kept the car under surveillance. As the vehicle pulled away from the curb the Officers followed through the backstreets of Uniondale turning off their headlights and using the handbrake to avoid detection. The vehicle pulled into a parking spot on Robinwood Ave; the driver exited the car and got into a car parked across the street. At this time Officers Schmettan and Albergo crept up alongside the second car and observed a drug transaction taking place. As Officer Schmettan opened the car door he observed a bag on the console between the two occupants that had a handgun resting on top of it. Immediately Officer Schmettan yelled out “GUN” to his partner and both occupants were dragged from the car and a struggle ensued. As the Officers gained control of the two subjects the third subject from the first car charged at them, he was taken down at gunpoint and all three subjects were placed under arrest.

Recovered from the bag was a fully loaded Glock 40 caliber semi automatic pistol. Also recovered were 30 grams of crack cocaine, 28 grams of cocaine, a large quantity of ecstasy pills, one pound of marijuana and finally six thousand dollars.

Police Officers James Schmettan and Joseph Albergo must be commended for their tactical skills, courage, restraint and integrity. Their professionalism and dedication led to the arrest of three felons and the recovery of a loaded handgun along with the proceeds of drug activity. These two Officers are out there and they are making a difference

Posted Friday, December 19, 2008

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