01 Jun PBA TOP COPS: May, 2013

FIRST PRECINCT
Police Officer John Gill
Police Officer Vito Vitale

On May 14, 2013 at 9:50pm Police Officers John Gill and Vito Vitale were on patrol in an area of Uniondale known for gang activity and quality of life issues. The officers detected the odor of burning marijuana and observed a group of people that appeared to be hiding behind a gate at the rear of a business. As the officers approached, one of the subjects in the group grabbed his waistband and attempted to twist his body away from the officers while trying to dismount the bicycle he was straddling in an apparent attempt to conceal something. The officers approached this subject and believing he was armed, conducted a pat down for officer safety.

Officer Vitale felt the butt of a handgun in the subjects’ waistband and subsequently recovered a loaded Bryco Arms .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun. The subject was taken into custody without incident and charged with criminal possession of a weapon.

It is because of their keen observations and dedication while performing their duties that these officers are recognized as the PBA top cops for May, 2013.