NYPD: Suspect In Theft Of Off-Duty Officer's Gun Taken Into Custody In Philadelphia
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The man accused in the robbery of an off-duty female police officer in the Bronx this week has been taken into custody in Philadelphia, police said Thursday.
Police sources told CBS2 authorities recovered the missing weapon, but not in Philadelphia. Sources said 21-year-old Samuel Thornton directed police to a location in the Bronx where he had buried the gun.
Investigators said Thornton attacked the off-duty cop in the parking garage of her building in the Wakefield section early Wednesday morning.
The building's surveillance camera captured Thornton, who police said jumped the 41-year-old officer as she walked to her car, snatching her gold necklace.
"He hit her like four times and, you know, she went down on the floor on the fourth one," building superintendent Robert Rodriguez said.
As she tried to grab her 9mm service weapon from her purse, Thornton allegedly punched her in the nose, causing her to drop everything, police said.
Police said Thornton then grabbed both her purse and gun and ran off.
"This guy take the bag, the wallet. He has the gun," said neighbor Teresa Dotel. "I don't feel good about that."
Dotel said she and her husband narrowly missed the assault, spotting Thorton in the garage just minutes before the attack.
"Thank God my husband was with me," she said.
She said the suspect has been known to trespass in the building and said she told the super when he rode with her in an elevator a week ago.
"You have to check," she said. "This guy's here; he don't live here."
The off-duty officer is a 10-year veteran of the NYPD and is based in Manhattan. She sustained abrasions and a contusion to her face and was taken to Montefiore Medical Center in stable condition.
Charges against Thornton are pending, police sources said. It was not clear whether he will waive or fight extradition to New York, sources said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.