Off-Duty Officer's Vigilance Leads To Recovery Of Stolen Car: GPD

GREENWICH— Thanks to the observance of an off-duty Greenwich police officer, a 30-year-old Bronx man was arrested on May 14 for stealing a 2010 E-Class Mercedes Benz in New York City.

According to Greenwich Police, Pedro Reyes was taken into custody after off-duty officer, Matt Swift, observed him engaging in suspicious activity in a parking lot near Sound Beach Avenue around 10 a.m. last Friday.

According to a news release from the GPD, Perez was "attempting to engage a group of young females in conversation," and the subjects were "visibly uncomfortable with Reyes."

Swift observed Reyes enter a Mercedes Benz and travel West on East Putnam Avenue. Swift contacted headquarters and reported the vehicle information and what he saw. The vehicle came back as reported stolen out of New York City.

As marked units responded, Swift followed Reyes in his personal vehicle until the marked units were nearby. In the intersection of East Putnam and Riverside Lane, Reyes abruptly made a U-turn in the intersection. Swift was able to position his vehicle in a manner that slowed Reyes from completing the turn.

Officers were then able to get behind Reyes and conducted a motor vehicle stop. Reyes was taken into custody quickly without incident.

Reyes was charged with making an improper U-turn, operating a motor vehicle without a license and larceny in the 2nd degree. He could not post $25,000 bond, and he has an assigned court date in Stamford of June 18.

Lt. John Slusarz of the GPD praised Swift for his actions.

"This officer was particularly observant and did what any officer would do, on-duty or off-duty. There was a good outcome, and the car was recovered," Slusarz said.