Off-duty NYPD cop helps nab theft suspect

An off-duty NYPD cop, sensing that a duo acting suspiciously in Levittown were up to no good, helped Nassau cops track down a suspected burglar, authorities said.

The suspect, an 18-year-old from Baldwin, was later arrested and charged in the burglary Monday of a home in Jericho, police said.

Jahvis Williams, of 837 Jefferson St., was arrested after the off-duty female NYPD officer noticed him acting suspiciously in Levittown and called 911, Nassau County police said. The other man she saw with Williams is still at large.

Police said officers recovered a stolen 20-inch iMac computer from Williams' car.

The off-duty officer, who wasn't identified, reported seeing men in a 2000 Volkswagen appearing to case the neighborhood, said Det. Lt. William Carey, head of the Woodbury-based Second Squad detectives.

"She picks up on that something's not right here," Carey said. "These guys don't belong in the neighborhood."

When Williams realized he was being watched, he fled in the car and his accomplice fled on foot, police said. The off-duty officer followed Williams until he abandoned his car near the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Merrick Avenue in East Meadow, police said.

A Third Precinct officer, using the off-duty cop's description, found the car.

Police said they found burglary proceeds, as well as marijuana, in the vehicle.

In court papers, Williams said he fled because his passenger had an outstanding robbery case. He told police he was "just driving around smoking weed."

He said he bought the Apple computer "off some guy" in Jericho, according to the papers.

Police said the burglary occurred at a home on Seaman Road in Jericho just before 10 a.m. Monday. Burglars entered by breaking a glass door, police said.

Williams was ordered jailed on $54,500 bond or $29,500 cash bail at his arraignment yesterday afternoon. Charges include burglary, criminal possession of stolen property, possession of burglar tools, possession of marijuana and reckless driving.