72nd Precinct cop honored for robbery collar

Police Officer Calvin Mason received the Cop of the Month award during the November meeting of the 72^nd Precinct, for catching and arresting a male suspect who had committed a robbery on Sunday, October 11.

“At approximately 1:20 a.m., when most of us are sleeping, my police officers are working out there making arrests,” said Captain Thomas Ng, the precinct’s commanding officer. “Officer Mason and his partner were flagged down at 43rd street and Third Avenue by a male who stated that he was being robbed. The victim was choked, punched in the face, knocked down to the ground, and his money and cell phone were removed.”

A canvass of the area was conducted and one of the perpetrators was located, positively identified by the victim and arrested. The victim sustained a minor laceration and swelling.

“With the quick response of my officers, we were able to apprehend the suspect,” Ng continued.

Mason was honored to receive the award.

“It means a lot because while people are sleeping or trying to come home from work, they want to come home safely,” he said. “For men to feel like its okay to rob somebody at their will, it feels good for me to be able to make an arrest because that’s what we do. That’s why we wake up every day.”