State Park Police Prevent Abduction at Jones Beach

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Alert witness and quick response by law enforcement lead to arrest.

WANTAGH, NY – On  July 12, New York State Park Police arrested and charged a 36-year-old Mamaroneck man with first-degree criminal impersonation of a police officer and endangering the welfare of a child.

The alleged perpetrator, posing as a law enforcement official, demanded that a 14-year-old girl walk to his automobile for questioning. Upon learning of the event, a friend of the victim became suspicious and called Park Police to report the incident. The victim’s friend then went looking for the suspect and victim. He located them and briefly impeded the assailant prior to the arrival of Officer Troy Caupain – who promptly assessed the scene and arrested the suspect.

Manuel Vilar, Park Police Sergeant and President of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) of New York State, applauded the actions of Officer Caupain and urged the general public to be on alert for suspicious activity, “The prompt response by Officer Caupain as well as the awareness of the victim’s friend may have saved this young girl’s life. The PBA of New York State and our members are committed to ensuring the public’s safety. We urge everyone to be aware of any suspicious activity, regardless of time or location, and report it immediately to law enforcement officials.”

Jones Beach is one of Long Island’s 20 state parks and attracts millions of visitors annually. There are 200 Park Police across the state, 34 of which are assigned to patrol Long Island’s state parks.