Long Island Burglary Suspect's Red Underwear Leads To Arrest
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- We've heard of being caught red-handed, but what about because of your red underwear?
Police say a neighbor snapped a photo of a Long Island burglar with his red boxers visible above his jeans. Taykim Ross, 18, had just stolen $200, electronics and Air Jordan sneakers from an apartment Monday and stopped in the backyard to try on the new kicks, police told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall.
Hempstead Village Officer Russell Harris said he was returning after a canvass of the neighborhood when he noticed someone taking garbage out in his mirror. Harris said he saw someone bending over with "bright red underwear."
Turns out, it was an exact match of the photo.
"If he would've went home and put a belt on maybe, I probably wouldn't have noticed him," Harris told Hall.
Hempstead Village Mayor Wayne J. Hall added, "I l would love to see all the kids with their pants pulled up, but this was something that helped our police officer solve a crime."
Harris told 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera he told Ross the red underwear gave him away.
"He actually kind of laughed," Harris said.
Ironically, when Ross was caught, he was helping out an elderly neighbor who he apparently helps out on a regular basis, CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reports.
All of the stolen items have been returned to the victim.
Ross was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday. It's unclear if he has an attorney.
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