7th Police District Advisory Council

9845 Bustleton Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19115
ph: 215-728-7300
fax: 215-874-4793
info@7thpdac.com

Police Officer of the Month

Each month, one or more officers of the 7th District are recognized as "Officer of the Month" for outstanding service to the community. The chosen officers are invited to the next monthly meeting of the P.D.A.C. where they are presented with various city and state citations, a gift basket compliments of Wawa Corp and a gift from the P.D.A.C.

This page will periodically be updated with information on the latest nominees. The P.D.A.C. wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the various sponsors of this monthly award.

January, 2012

P/O Anthony Avery #2359

P/O George Rodriguez #2961

On Sunday, January 1 Officers Avery and Rodriguez were working the 11P to 7A tour of duty assigned to EWP 702. At 1:57 A.M. they had just exited a house in the 10100 block of Bridle Road after handling a disturbance at that location. As they walked back to their vehicle, Officer Avery’s attention was drawn to a second floor window of the apartment building across the street. At that time the officer observed a white male stick his arm out the living room window while holding a handgun and fire one shot in the air. Both officers immediately drew their weapons while taking cover and observed the male, now hanging his upper body out the same window, fire two more shots in the air. After notifying Police Radio and requesting back-up, the officers proceeded into the apartment building to the hallway outside of the second floor apartments where they observed the male shooting from. The officers began knocking on apartment doors and an occupant in apartment #203 opened the door. As soon as the door was opened, the officers immediately recognized and identified the male they saw shooting the gun from the window standing in the living room area.The officers entered the apartment while issuing verbal commands to the male, but he fled into the kitchen area. As Officer Avery entered the kitchen area, he observed the male throw a black handgun into a blue waste can. The male was then handcuffed and placed under arrest. In plain sight in the kitchen waste can was a black 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The officers also recovered a holster, ammunition magazine and two 9mm shell casings from the apartment as well as a 9mm shell casing from the ground below the window the male was firing from. The defendant did not have a permit to carry on record and the handgun was not registered.

The quick action of Officers Avery and Rodriguez potentially saved innocent persons from serious injury as a direct result of the recklessness of the defendant while also taking an illegal gun off the streets.

December, 2011

P/O Robert Alford #5122

On Friday, December 2 8th District police responded to a report of an attempted burglary in the 8900 block of Blue Grass Road. Flash information was broadcast over police radio of two males and a female in a red car. Officer Alford recognized this information as the same flash as in recent burglaries in the 7th District. Officer Alford observed the vehicle in the 9700 block of Roosevelt Boulevard and effected a car stop. The operator of the vehicle exited and became combative with Officer Alford requiring backup officers to taser the suspect. The occupants fled on foot but were captured by other responding officers. A pcic / ncic check of the vehicle found that it had been stolen from Cheltenham Township during a recent residential burglary. Both males were determined to have committed 7 burglaries in the Northeast Division and are under investigation for several more in the 7th and 15th Districts as well as in Cheltenham Township. Both males were charged with burglary and defiant trespass. The driver was also charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, REAP and resisting arrest.

Additionally, on Thursday, December 15 Officer Alford responded to a radio call of a burglary in progress in the 1600 block of Strahle Street. Officer Alford arrived on scene at the rear of the property just as the homeowner was returning home. The homeowner advised that no one should be in the property. Two males were observed climbing out a rear bedroom window. Officer Alford ordered the males to stop and both were apprehended. A third male parked in front of the property was also found to be involved and had property in his possession that had been stolen during a burglary in Feasterville. All three offenders were arrested and charged with burglary, criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass and theft by unlawful taking. All three are also awaiting charges in Feasterville.

Officer Alford’s professionalism along with these two outstanding arrests make him worthy of his recognition as Police Officer of the Month for the 7th District.

November, 2011

P/O Thomas Carpino #2863

On Friday, November 4, at approximately 1:40 A.M., P/O Carpino was working the 6p x 2a tour of duty in plainclothes assigned as 7BD2. P/O Carpino was on patrol in the area of 11650 Roosevelt Boulevard and observed two males acting suspiciously. The males were walking up and down in front of the New Boulevard Diner, Hertz Rent-a-Car and the doctors office located on the block. P/O Carpino then observed the males walking into the parking lot area of the businesses and observed them looking into the windows. P/O Carpino then observed the males looking carefully up and down the street before one of the males went over and removed a rock from his bag and broke the window to the New Boulevard Diner. The male was climbing into the window when P/O Carpino approached and identified himself as the police. The male dropped from the window and fled through the parking lot where he was arrested. The second male attempted to walk away and was arrested by a marked patrol unit. Both males were arrested and charged with Burglary and related offenses.

P/O Carpino’s alertness and quick actions led to the successful apprehension of both males and he should be recognized for a job well done.

Captain Joseph Zaffino with Officer Thomas Carpino.

October, 2011

P/O Dan Butler #9793

P/O Randy Vogt #7115

On Saturday, October 15 at 4:00 P.M. Officers Dan Butler and Randy Vogt took a report of a robbery at the AAA gas station located at 10188 Bustleton Avenue. The complainant stated that outside the gas station he was robbed by two males, both whom he had known for several years. The complainant was punched in the mouth and thrown against his vehicle. One of the males ripped the complainant’s gold chain from his neck and broke his sunglasses. The complainant was able to provide the names of both perpetrators. Later that night, at 9:25 P.M., Officers Butler and Vogt were finishing a live stop investigation on the corner of Bustleton and Benton Avenues. Officer Vogt observed a blue Golf Volkswagon traveling on the 8500 block of Algon Avenue. The vehicle fit the description from the earlier robbery report. Officer Butler ran the tag and it came back to one of the perpetrators who, upon investigation was found to be driving the vehicle. The other perpetrator was sitting in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Both males were arrested and transported to Northeast Detectives.

The alertness and quick action of Officers Butler and Vogt resulted in the arrest of two violent offenders.

Left to right: Officer Dan Butler, Captain Joseph Zaffino, Officer Randy Vogt, Sergeant Denny McGarry.

Left to right: Officer Dan Butler with his wife, Captain Joseph Zaffino, Officer Randy Vogt with his wife and daughter, Sergeant Denny McGarry.

September, 2011

P/O George Rodriguez #2961

P/O Anthony Avery #2359

On Sunday, September 11 Officers Rodriguez and Avery responded to a radio call in the 1100 block of Gregg Street. Upon arrival they were met by the complainant who stated that at approximately 2:30 A.M. he answered a knock at his front door. There were several males who stated they were looking for the complainant’s son so they could fight him. While the complainant was speaking to the males, the complainant’s son charged at the males with a 13 inch butcher knife. The complainant stopped the offender (his son) from attacking the males with the knife. The offender then lunged at the complainant (his father) with the knife. The complainant disarmed his son and threw the knife. The offender then began to punch and kick the complainant in the face and threaten to kill him. Officers’ Rodriguez and Avery arrived and attempted to take the defendant into custody. The defendant resisted and refused to submit to being handcuffed, forcing both officers to use control holds and their asp batons to take the defendant into custody. The male was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault, PIC, Terroristic Threats, REAP and Simple Assault.

The actions taken by Officer Rodriguez and Officer Avery are consistent with the highest standards of the Philadelphia Police Department.

Officers George Rodriguez and Anthony Avery.

Officer George Rogriguez with his wife, Officer Anthony Avery and Sergeant Jeff Hickson.

July, 2011

P/O Nigel Evans #1520

On Saturday, July 16 at approximately 11:00 P.M. Officer Nigel Evans responded to a radio call of a disturbance house in the 1700 block of Rachel Street. Upon arrival he interviewed a witness who relayed the following:

At approximately 10:59 P.M. the complainant was sleeping in his room when the offender entered the room and began punching him in the face multiple times with a closed fist. The offender then began to throw several objects, including two lamps, a jewelry box and a can of insect spray at the complainant. The complainant was unable to defend himself at any point.

Officer Evans placed the offender under arrest. The complainant, who suffered contusions to the face and both eyes as well as a laceration to the inside of his lip, was transported to Arai Torresdale Hospital for treatment.

The quick response and diligent police work of Officer Evans resulted in the arrest of a dangerous suspect who was charged with aggravated assault and related offenses.

June, 2011

P/O Robert Alford #5122

On Friday, June 3 at approximately 1:00 P.M. Officer Robert Alford, assigned to RPC#713, responded to a radio call of a burglary in progress in the 2300 block of Stanwood Street. Upon arrival he was informed by officers already on the scene that a b/m, heavy set wearing green shirt with beard attempted to exit the rear of the property but upon seeing police ran back into the property. Moments later the male exited the front of the property at which time Officer Alford ordered him to show his hands. The perpetrator went down to the ground after showing his hands and was detained. About a minute later another b/m came out the front door and was detained by other officers. Both males were arrested. Upon search incident to arrest, P/O Alford recovered from his prisoner’s left front pocket $588 USC. From his right front pocket P/O Alford recovered a silver metal ring with one large glass stone and four smaller glass stones and a Mercedes car key. Neither male would tell how they got to the location, but the Mercedes key fob activated a 2007 Mercedes parked down the street. The vehicle was seized for investigation.

The homeowner arrived home and stated that she did not know either of the males and that they did not have permission to be in her property.

Both males were transported to NEDD and charged with Burglary, Criminal Trespass and Criminal Conspiracy.

The diligent police work of Officer Alford resulted in the apprehension of a burglar in an area of the District plagued by residential burglaries recently.

May, 2011

P/O Joseph Walker #2416

On Monday, May 30 Officer Joseph Walker #2416 responded to a radio call of a robbery in progress point of knife at the Wawa Store, 8151 Castor Avenue. While surveying the area, he observed a black van parked on the corner of Loretto Avenue and Arthur Street. He noticed the interior light on inside the van. As he approached the van he saw a male hiding in the front seat. The male opened the door and fled on foot. Officer Walker chased the male west on Arthur Street. Officer Walker ordered the male to stop, but he refused to comply. The suspect was tasered and taken into custody without further incident. Recovered on Arthur Street was the money taken in the robbery. The male was positively identified by the complainant.

Officer Walker is one of the most active officers in three platoon. His sharp observation skills resulted in a dangerous criminal being taken off the street.

Officer Joe Walker and Captain Joe Zaffino.

Captain Joe Zaffino along with Officer Joe Walker, his wife and daughter.

April, 2011

P/O Mike Bonatsos #6454

On Saturday, April 23 at approximately 8:30 A.M. flash information was broadcast over police radio of a burglary in progress at Aldo’s Pizzeria,10201 Bustleton Avenue. The flash information was of a while male in a blue Chevrolet and included the tag number. Officer Mike Bonatsos, assigned in plain clothes to unit 7BD-1 observed the vehicle at a red light at Bustleton Avenue and Byberry Road. The vehicle was first in the line of vehicles at the light. Officer Bonatsos positioned his vehicle so that it was nose to nose with the suspect vehicle. Officer Bonatsos exited his vehicle, identified himself as a police officer, drew his weapon and ordered the suspect to turn off the vehicle and throw the keys out the window. At this time he also observed a female passenger in the vehicle. The operator then put the vehicle in reverse and backed into a white car behind him, which in turn backed into a white truck. The operator then made a left turn, striking the unmarked police vehicle and then fled westbound on Byberry Road. Officers Green and Hartigan, assigned to EPW #702 were also responding to the radio call. After hearing Officer Bonatsos give the direction of the blue Chevy over the air they observed the vehicle traveling westbound on Byberry Road at a high rate of speed. The officers followed the vehicle but were ordered not to engage in a pursuit by their supervisor. They did continue to follow the vehicle and came upon it in Abington Township where it had crashed into a tree on Byberry Road. The operator had fled the vehicle, but two female passengers were transported to Abington Memorial Hospital by Fire Rescue, the front passenger first having to be extricated from the vehicle by Fire Department personnel. Both females are in police custody at the hospital and are charged with Burglary, Criminal Mischief and Criminal Trespass. The operator is still at large.

On this same date, Officer Bonatsos was interviewed at Northeast Detectives and shown a photo array containing eight suspects. He positively identified the operator of the vehicle. A check with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles revealed that the Chevy was registered to that male. An affidavit of probable cause will be issued for the suspect.

The sharp observation skills and quick action of Officer Bonatsos resulted in the ultimate apprehension of the two female suspects, the identification of the male suspect and the return of a cash register stolen during the burglary.

Officer Mike Bonatsos and Lieutenant Mike Root.

Officer Mike Bonatsos being presented a citation by Linda Trush representing Councilman Brian O'Neill. Inspector John Heath, Commander of Northeast Division in background.

From left to right: Linda Trush (Councilman O'Neill), Ken Bode (Senator Mike Stack) State Representative Kevin Boyle, Lt. Mike Root, Wife of Officer Bonatsos, Officer Mike Bonatsos, Inspector John Heath, State Representative Brendan Boyle, P.D.A.C. Chairman Mike Myers.

March, 2011

P/O Brian Fuss #4535

P/O Randy Vogt #7115

On 3/6/11 there were five (5) reported burglaries that occurred within one block of 8870 Manchester Street in the 8th District. These burglaries were committed on the 12x8 tour of duty while the residents were inside their homes sleeping. During three of the burglaries, the complainants’ vehicles and keys were taken. As officers and detectives on the 7x3 tour of duty processed the crime scenes, Officers Randy Vogt and Brian Fuss, assigned to EPW 702, received information that On-Star had reported that a 2008 Chevy Impala that was taken in one of the burglaries was in the area of 2800 Axe Factory Road. Officers Vogt and Fuss surveyed the area and found the stolen Impala. They also observed two black males walking on the sidewalk approximately 40-50 yards from the vehicle. The males appeared to have dry clothing despite the heavy rainfall. When the officers attempted to stop the males, both fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, both males were apprehended. The officers searched the males and found keys for a Toyota, an Apple iPod, Samsung cell phone and two rubber gloves.

Within minutes, the officers received information that 8th District officers had recovered in their immediate area, a Toyota Avalon which was taken in one of the burglaries. P/Os Vogt and Fuss went to the location and discovered that the Toyota keys found on one of the males belonged to the recovered Toyota Avalon. The owner/complainant arrived and positively identified the vehicle, keys and iPod, all of which were taken in a burglary of his residence. Information contained on one of the male’s cell phone revealed that all three vehicles were stolen by them. Further investigation revealed that the five reported burglaries were within a city block of each other and committed between the hours of 2:48 and 5:00 A.M. on 3/6/11. These facts developed a “Common Scheme Design” pattern and therefore both males were charged with committing all five burglaries as well as additional counts of Criminal Trespass, Theft-Unlawful Taking, Theft-RSP, PIC, Criminal Conspiracy and Unauthorized Use of Auto.

As a result of these officers’ alert and determined actions, two dangerous residential burglars were apprehended and a complainant’s property recovered. In recognition of their actions, a request for Commendations for Merit was filed by Captain Joseph Zaffino, their Commanding Officer.

From left to right: P.D.A.C. Chairman Mike Myers, Officer Brian Fuss, Officer Randy Vogt.

Uniformed officers Randy Vogt and Brian Fuss along with their families and Captain Joseph Zaffino.

February, 2011

P/O Thomas Carpino #2863

On Saturday, February 26 P/O Thomas Carpino, assigned in plain clothes to unit 7BD-2, was patrolling to the area of Bustleton Avenue and County Line Road due to a rash of recent drug store robberies He observed two males sitting in a 2002 Ford Ranger truck for more than 20 minutes outside the CVS Pharmacy, 15500 Bustleton Avenue, without entering the store. As Officer Carpino approached the vehicle with his badge hanging from his neck, the passenger quickly exited the vehicle and threw a few small objects back into the vehicle on the passenger seat. After ordering the male back into the vehicle, Officer Carpino observed a small clear baggie in the floor area of the driver side containing a green weed seed substance (alleged marijuana) and a small orange pill along with three small blue pills on the passenger seat. The driver was removed from the vehicle and search incident to arrest recovered 51 small blue pills in a clear bag inside his hoodie pocket. The passenger was then removed from the vehicle and the pills from the seat and floor recovered. Officer Carpino contacted the Poison Control Center and received identification of the blue pills as 51 Oxycodone 30mg and the orange pill as Suboxone, a Schedule II narcotic used to treat opiate addiction.

Both defendants were placed under arrest and transferred to NEDD for processing.

The alertness and quick action of Officer Carpino resulted in dangerous narcotic drugs being taken off the street.

Front row left to right: Michael Myers (PDAC Chairman), Captain Joseph Zaffino, Stacie Limongelli (State Rep. John Sabatina Junior), Officer Thomas Carpino, Linda Trush (Councilman Brian O'Neill), Ken Bode (Senator Mike Stack).

Back row left to right: Seth Kaplan (State Rep. Kevin Boyle), Mark Fabbi (State Rep. Brendan Boyle).

January, 2011

P/O EVETTE CHANDLER #1620

During the month of January, Officer Chandler performed her duties in an outstanding manner. Her work habits, quality of work and initiative are excellent. She demonstrates on a daily basis an excellent attitude when performing her duties. Her enthusiasm for her profession makes for a safer neighborhood for the residents of the 7th District.

In January, P/O Chandler responded to a radio call for a burglary in progress in the 1900 block of Emerson Street. Upon arrival, she was met by a female who stated a male was attempting to enter the rear of the residential property. Further investigation showed that the male was in violation of a protection from abuse order. The male was arrested and taken to NEDD for processing.

Officer Chandler’s activity over the past two months is as follows:

1 Part 2 arrest
2 motor vehicle live stops
83 moving violations
55 cell phone violations
5 parking violations

The above activity clearly demonstrates Officer Chandler’s work ethic and we are proud to have her in the 7th District.

From left to right: Michael Myers (P.D.A.C. Chair), Linda Trush (Councilman Brian O'Neill), Captain Joseph Zaffino, Grandson of Evette Chandler, P/O Evette Chandler, Mark Fabbi (SR Brendan Boyle), John Sullivan (SR Kevin Boyle).