"This arrest should send a clear message to anyone who would harm a New York City Police Officer: You will never get away with it," said Commissioner Kelly. "This Department will use all of its power and all of its resources to track you down and bring you to justice."

Roberts, who lives at 801 Crotona Park North in the Bronx, was identified by Captain Girven in a line-up as the man who shot him. Roberts admitted that he was at the scene of the shooting, wearing a bullet-resistant vest and carrying a firearm. In addition, Commissioner Kelly said police have also identified several of Roberts' accomplices and that additional arrests are expected.

On Wednesday, August 27, just after midnight, Captain Girven was driving alone in an unmarked car on West 154th Street when he noticed two men walking in the street acting in a suspicious manner. Captain Girven got out of his car and said, "Police - - what's up?" Roberts opened fire without saying a word. Captain Girven heard three shots, and was struck by one bullet in his right side. He is now at home recovering from his wounds.

Roberts, who was on probation until 2006, has an extensive criminal history with eight arrests for charges including narcotics, menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon. His most recent arrest was on July 6, 2003, in the 10th Precinct, for grand larceny.