Village Administrator Frank Quigley is a well-respected village official who has gained accolades for his work ethic and dedication to the village.
You can now add crime fighter to his list of accomplishments.
Quigley, while walking home after the fireworks on Saturday, saw a man attempting to break into a van in Field No. 23. Quigley confronted the man about what he was doing, and the subject fled.
Quigley called the police while he chased the subject. The subject ran into backyards, and a perimeter was set up by responding police units. Cops searched through several backyards and spotted the subject, who then ran from police.
A foot pursuit followed and Police Officer Mike Willet apprehended the subject in Hickey Field, chasing the subject over a six-foot fence. A show-up was conducted and Quigley positively identified the subject.
Gregory P. Schroeder, 40, of Freeport, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief, attempted larceny, possession of burglars tools and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Schroeder is a parolee for burglary.
"I've lived in Rockville Centre my whole life, and this is a community of human beings and each one of us looks out for everyone else," Quigley said. "That's what holds any community together."
Police Commissioner Charles Gennario said Quigley did an outstanding job of putting out an excellent description out while in foot pursuit and notifying the police via his cell phone.
Quigley said he was only doing what he thought was right. "It's good for all of us, to be considerate and be aware and alert," he said. "We're helping our neighbors. If we see something that doesnt quite fit it, the best thing to do is call the police."
Now can these posts take on a more constructive tone... IE what can we do for the Village to make it better? What needs to be done? How can we help the new administration get it done? Seems to me that is where we should be headed now, looking ahead, not back...building bridges not tearing each other down. There are legitimate questions that need to be asked of Mayor Murray and they should be asked. And I am sure he will answer them. But that can and should be done in a civil manner. Thank you.
Ciminals know that "more eyes on the streets" results in a greater risk of arrest. Most criminals want to operate in the "land of milk and honey" with plenty of doe-eyed, unprotected marks, and no threats for miles. So create the hornet's nest and deter would be criminals. Increase the frequency and number of patrols per shift and install cameras in normally vacant areas like parking lots. People wake up! Wipe the cold out your eye! We got avalon bay, the Molloy dorms, and old mill. That alone requires a separate police force and swat team. We need more cops and cameras if we want Mayberry.
I'm glad that they hang out there. Whats better than having a safe rec center? keeps the pervs from watching your kids playing ball or in the playground and the druggies from sitting on the benchs getting high. ... I dont have a problem with that