|
 White Plains, NY - The new cash rewards program announced by Westchester County to flush out wanted criminals has brought quick results, leading to the arrest of a 29-year-old man wanted on five active warrants.
The suspect, Kori Small, 29, had been a fugitive since September 2007 and was wanted by the Westchester Department of Public Safety and the Mount Vernon Police Department. Small was wanted on warrants charging him with Violation of Probation, Assault, Harassment (2 charges) and Criminal Mischief.
On Wednesday, a tipster called the county police hotline with information about a man named “Corey” who was wanted by police. County police detectives passed the tip on to Mount Vernon police, who were able to locate and arrest Small the same day.
“We’re very pleased that the reward program has brought results so quickly,” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Thomas Belfiore. “The tipster told us he heard about the reward program in the media on Tuesday and the next day we received the tip. The Mount Vernon police did an excellent job locating the suspect quickly and making the arrest.”
County Executive Andy Spano said that the program is part of a larger effort to recruit the public in helping to apprehend fugitives including deadbeat parents who fail to pay child support.
“Government works best in partnership with the public,’’ said Spano. “And we thank the public for any assistance it can give us in helping us to keep our communities safe.’’
Small, formerly of Mount Vernon, told police he has been living in Mount Pocono, Pa. He was among 46 wanted criminals featured on Westchester’s Warrant Watch web site.
The new Warrants program, approved by the Board of Legislators, offers cash reward of up to $500 for felony warrants and $250 for misdemeanor warrants for information leading an arrest. Warrant Watch can be found at westchestergov.com/warrant watch.
Anyone with information on wanted suspects should call the county police hotline at 1-800-898-TIPS. All calls are confidential and tipsters can remain anonymous if they choose.
Since Tuesday when an ad appeared in the New York Post, Belfiore said county police has received eight tips. Several additional investigations are currently under way.
“These wanted persons owe us and their victims a day in court,” Belfiore said. “We’re hopeful that the rewards program will enable us to capture even more fugitives from justice.”
 |
