on a business contact. While inside the establishment, I noticed a tall, white male, wearing what appeared to be hospital scrubs, approach the counter and place an order. When the barista (XXXXX) turned her back, the male reached in to the tip jar and ran out of the store. A second Barista (YYYYY) yelled “Hey” and began to chase the man. XXXXX yelled to us, “He stole our tips.”

 

Officers Rivera and Collazo began a foot pursuit. On numerous occasions during the pursuit, they demanded the defendant to stop. The defendant, later identified as Michael Murphy, continued to flee. Mr. Murphy was running in two lanes of traffic, causing cars to swerve and stop, as well on a crowded sidewalk. He put the public’s safety at risk, causing a danger for the pedestrians, drivers, and officers. I was able to get in my cruiser and cut the defendant off at 15 Cottage Avenue.

 

When I pulled up, he yelled “Oh Shit.” I asked the defendant for his identification, to which he replied he did not have any. I then asked him for his name and date of birth, he stated “I don’t know.” I noticed the defendant had a hospital admissions bracelet on, and it contained the name Michael Murphy with a DOB of XX-XX-XXXX.I asked dispatched to query the name and they came back with no information found. Mr. Murphy told me he was from Colorado and he was homeless, a query of his information through Colorado also provided no information.

 

While talking with Mr. Murphy, Officer Rivera returned to Starbucks to speak with the employees. XXXXX told Officer Rivera about 6 dollars was taken. Officer Rivera relayed this information to me, and Mr. Murphy consented to a search of his bag. In the bag was a pair of soiled cargo shorts and six one dollar bills, thrown about in no particular order. Mr. Murphy was uncooperative and would not answer basic questions. At this time he was placed under arrest for larceny under in presence and resisting arrest.

 

He was transported to the station by the transport wagon, unit 200(Officer Catatao) and booked per the usual manner by the Commander Lt. DiGregorio. Photographs of the money were taken, and will be available if requested. The money was returned to the baristas, as it was hard earned. I would also like to note that there is video in the store and will be provided upon request.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Officer Patrick Canty 306