Police Collar Suspects Who Invaded Homes

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The New York Sun

Suspected members of a home invasion crew linked to more than 80 robberies over the last four years, as well as one homicide, two gunpoint kidnappings, and a shootout with police, were collared in early morning raids by police officers and federal agents.


The suspects allegedly posed as plainclothes police officers to gain entrance to homes and businesses in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens where they believed large amounts of cash were stored.


The suspects allegedly targeted check-cashing businesses, food wholesalers, liquor stores, and the homes of drug dealers, according to police and federal authorities.


“These individuals frequently identified themselves as police officers, even displayed replica police shields, to gain the trust of victims before committing crimes,” said Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.


Lieutenant John Zerillo of the police department’s Impersonator Investigation Unit said the suspects often displayed fake police shields and wore blue bulletproof vests with “police” written on them, in order to coerce victims to open their doors.


According to the indictment, the suspects killed one of the victims and threatened others with death if they refused to cooperate.


In addition to cash, the suspects are accused of stealing jewelry, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, liquor, antique coins, cigarettes, phone cards, and Lotto tickets.


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