Firefighters Apprehend Cell Phone Robbers in Manhattan

Firefighters Jason Porzse from Engine 24 and Adam Karabuber from Ladder 5 thought on their feet, chasing and apprehended a cell phone thief in Manhattan on May 29.

“It was just kind of reaction; we saw someone who needed help and went to help him,” said Firefighter Porzse.

At around 6 p.m. firefighters were standing outside their quarters in Greenwich Village when they heard someone yelling for help.

A witness pointed out a man who had just stolen someone’s cell phone.

Firefighters Porzsce and Karabuber didn’t hesitate, chasing the man four blocks and apprehending him near the intersection of Varick and Charlton streets.

Lt. Richard Quinn from Engine 24 notified police as he and the other members followed on the apparatus.

While they waited for police, the perpetrator tried to pass cell phones to another man who claimed to be his brother. The firefighters blocked the hand off and police arrested both men in connection with the theft.

Police told the firefighters these men may be responsible for a string of cell phone robberies in the neighborhood.

“It’s a great feeling to do something for the community that does a lot for us,” said Firefighter Karabuber, a former police officer. “It’s nice to give back.”