A rookie Yonkers police officer is getting early-career kudos after helping collar a woman witnesses say was chasing people on the street while pointing a gun. Officers recovered a firearm from the woman's purse, and the suspect now faces a charge of criminal possession of a weapon.
The Yonkers Police Department identified the rookie as PO Morton and said he, his field training officer and her partner responded to reports of a disturbance. According to witnesses, the woman was taunting and chasing people while pointing a gun, and authorities say officers found an illegal firearm in the suspect's purse. The arrest and the suspect's identity, listed as Tiana Reid, were confirmed, as reported by News12.
Department Praise And The Facebook Post
In a Facebook post, the Yonkers Police Department publicly thanked PO Morton and the other officers involved, highlighting the team effort behind the arrest. "Whether it's a veteran with decades of experience or a rookie on day one, every member plays a role in keeping Yonkers safe," the department wrote.
How This Fits Into Recent Local Policing
The arrest comes at a time when weapons-related calls are getting extra scrutiny in Yonkers. In recent months, the city has issued multiple press releases about officers responding to armed suspects, including a high-profile April carjacking and shooting. That April incident and similar notices from the city have been used to explain why patrol resources are locked in on weapons calls, as outlined by YonkersNY.gov.
Legal Note
The woman is charged with criminal possession of a weapon. Under New York law, that offense falls under Penal Law Article 265, and criminal possession in the fourth degree can carry up to a year behind bars in many cases, according to New York Courts. The exact penalties depend on the type of weapon, the suspect's prior record and the specific counts prosecutors decide to file.
Officials did not immediately release additional details about the exact location of the arrest or whether anyone was hurt. The Yonkers Police Department said the suspect was safely taken into custody and that more information will be shared as the investigation continues. The department is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Yonkers Police.
