The 76th Precinct honored five officers at the March 6 precinct community council meeting.
On Feb. 2, Police Officer Matthew Schmalix was conducting a routine patrol when he observed a vehicle commit a traffic infraction.
“Upon stopping the vehicle and observing the suspicious movements and inconsistent narratives of the motorist and passenger, both of whom were known narcotics dealers, Schmalix realized the matter required further investigation,” Deputy Inspector Megan O’Malley explained.
Schmalix obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. Officers recovered 1,619 glass vials of heroin, crack, marijuana, and over $4,000 cash from the car. Five days later a local narcotics dealer was arrested, and more than 200 glass vials of heroin, 362 bags of crack cocaine, 2 large bags of cocaine and uncut heroin, and nearly $8,000 cash were recovered.
NYPD Assistant Chief Brian Conroy, who attended and spoke at the meeting, emphasized that communication between community and NYPD was key.
“This is where the community and police officers get to work together to keep the neighborhood safe,” he said. “I’m proud of the work they do, [and] proud of the great community relations we have here in Brooklyn South and at the 76th Precinct.”
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O’Malley said she was most concerned about the recent increase in commercial burglaries, especially at night. She emphasized that business owners, especially those who are located along Court and Smith Streets, need good cameras in working conditions.
The homicide of Red Hook resident Sharon Whigham, which occurred outside the Joseph Miccio Community Center in May 2016, has remained unsolved and is still being investigated. Anyone who has information regarding this case should contact NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477, which can be done anonymously.
“The kind of closure that brings to the family is immeasurable and that’s [what] we hope to get out of this case,” O’Malley said.
Top photo by DeGregorio
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