East Flatbush Murder Suspect Apprehended
A murder suspect who evaded capture for three months was busted Thursday when officers spotted him spitting on the platform at the Coney Island subway station, the Daily New reports.
The cops reportedly recognized the spitter, 33-year-old Euzebelin Abellard, from wanted pictures for a November murder in East Flatbush. He is accused of firing three bullets into Jean-Claude Bernagene, a 51-year-old father-of-two, who police believe was shot during a robbery of his illegal gambling club, according to the Daily News.
The unlawful loogie, which warrants a $50 quality-of-life ticket, allowed officers to detain Abellard. They checked his identification and used their NYPD-issued smartphones to confirm he is wanted for the November killing, the Daily News reports.
Police Commissioner Bill Bratton praised the arrest on Twitter — pointing out it was another example of the usefulness of the new NYPD-issued smartphones.
Great police work by @NYPDTransit officers. Smart cops using smartphones keeping NYC safe. https://t.co/la4r1XiIYJ pic.twitter.com/MpBjs38MrU
— Commissioner Bratton (@CommissBratton) February 27, 2016
The smartphones came in handy earlier this year when cops from the 61st Precinct used them to nab a robber who had been carrying a gun.
Abellard was charged with murder, criminal use of a firearm and criminal weapons possession. He was arraigned Saturday and ordered held without bail, according to the Daily News.