As temperatures dropped to below freezing on Friday, Jan. 21, police responding to a call about a “shoplifter armed with a knife,” arrested the man for shoplifting a winter coat, and a short time later, were called back and made another arrest at the same Burlington Coat Factory store in Fordham Manor.

 

The caller told the 911 operator that the suspect had been cutting off the anti-theft devices on the stores’ garments, using a knife. Half a dozen patrol units from the 52nd precinct arrived at the scene, quickly apprehended the man, and recovered the winter coat, still on its hanger.

 

According to NYPD spokeswoman, Detective Annette Shelton, police were first called to the Burlington Coat Factory, located on Webster Avenue near East Fordham Road, at 3 p.m. Shelton said of the incident, “A loss prevention officer observed 34-year-old Carlos Taveras remove a massage gun, socks and coat and attempted to exit the store without paying for the items.”

 

A massage gun is a small handheld device that looks and sounds like a drill, according to Wikipedia. Most massage guns have a variety of pieces and speeds that can be utilized to help with muscle pain. Shelton had no available address on Taveras, who was charged with petit larceny.

Shelton also told Norwood News, “On the same day, 47-year-old, Frank Agovino, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief after being observed by a loss prevention officer cutting sensors off of the items in the store valued at $150.” Shelton did not have an address for Agovino either. One witness reported seeing police grabbing a “bald, white male” on the street and taking him into custody.

 

Meanwhile, officers on the police radio band were heard responding to another call on Saturday, Jan. 22, at 3:15 p.m., also at the Burlington Coat Factory. Officers were looking for “a white male” who fled towards East Fordham Road with pairs of blue jeans. When questioned about the radio alert, Shelton said she had no complaint on file for the incident that matched the time, date, and location provided.

 

An unidentified manager at the Burlington Coat Factory store in question was asked by Norwood News about the three incidents. He said he had not been to work on those days. When asked if shoplifting was a regular occurrence at the store, the manager replied, “I’m not sure I’m allowed to comment on that.”

 

Meanwhile, Heather, a media relations specialist at the Burlington store, committed to looking into the recent incidents, saying Burlington would see, “if there’s anything we could share, or if this is an ongoing investigation.”

 

New York City Department of Homeless Services regularly issues “Code Blue” notices when temperatures drop below freezing and ask residents that if they see anyone at risk, especially those living on the street, to call 311. During a #CodeBlue alert, shelter is available, systemwide, for anyone brought to a shelter by outreach teams. Accommodations are also available for walk-ins.

 

*Síle Moloney contributed to this story