A pair of 62nd Precinct police officers snagged cop of the month honors for taking a gun off the street, and arresting the individual who had it in his possession.
Police Officers Thomas Mercado and Rafael Zaldivar received the kudos at the March meeting of the 62nd Precinct Community Council, held at the station house, 1925Â Bath Avenue, on Tuesday, March 21.
The duo made the collar on Friday, February 2 at around 10 a.m., on 80th Street between 20th and 21st Avenues, and recovered not only a firearm but loaded clips.
The suspect — who had prior arrests, according to the police — was charged with criminal possession of an ammo clip in the third degree, possession of burglar tools, petit larceny, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. He was also charged with reckless driving.
“These officers were recognized for an extraordinary act of courage that started out with a traffic stop, which led to the discovery of weapons and items that were potentially going to be used for a robbery or a home invasion,” said John Quaglione, who attended the meeting on behalf of State Senator Marty Golden. “It is the diligence and good work of our police officers that is helping to keep our community safe. Senator Golden was honored to recognize these officers and thank them for their continued service to our neighborhood each and every day.”
Additional reporting contributed by Meaghan McGoldrick
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