01 Jul PBA TOP COPS: June 2016

FIRST PRECINCT
Police Officers
Ron Curaba
Joseph Laundrie

On June 6th 2016, at approximately 0425 hours. A string of armed gas station robberies occurred in the Merrick, Bellmore area. The subject was armed with a black automatic handgun and demanded cash and cigarettes from all three locations. The defendant then fled on foot and possibly entered a vehicle parked nearby. A notification was immediately broadcast detailing the subject’s description and last known location.

At approximately 0500 hours Police Officer Ron Curaba, while working in RMP 114, after hearing the notification for the three separate robberies began to canvas. He observed a 2016 Chevy Cruze bearing Massachusetts plates parked on the west side of the road with the windows open. As officer Curaba turned on to Harvard Ave. in order to identify the suspicious vehicle, he observed a male subject walking with a gray sweatshirt in his hand. Officer Curaba exited his vehicle and ordered the subject to stop. The subject started to run away, dropping the keys to his vehicle in the process. The subject then ran across the street and entered the side yard of 1723 Harvard Ave. Merrick. A brief struggle ensued as officer Curaba attempted to place the subject into custody.

Seventh Precinct Police Officer Joseph Laundrie, who was also canvassing the area, arrived to assist and the two officers were able to gain control of the subject. The officer’s investigation recovered a loaded 9mm handgun along with a large amount of U.S currency. In addition, packs of cigarettes were found inside of the vehicle that Officer Curaba had originally observed. A show up was also performed with positive results.

As a result of their quick action and dedication to duty both officers were able to safely apprehend a very dangerous individual. The subject was charged with three counts of felony-armed robbery.

That night was Police Officer Laundries’ first night of patrol as a Nassau County Police Officer.