2 Charged in Theft From Hartgers Jewelers

Two Brooklyn residents have been charged in the attempted theft of a $27,600 Rolex watch from Hartgers Jewelers.

Information provided by Hartgers staff enabled police to make quick arrests just moments after the two New York men allegedly fled the Wyckoff Avenue store with the watch, which was recovered.

Police Chief Benjamin Fox said that Ansumana J. Bility, 22, entered the store just after 3 p.m. as a customer. He allegedly asked to try on a Rolex Presidential watch, was handed the piece and quickly fled toward the exit and out to a waiting car, police said.

Staff called police at 3:15 p.m. with a description of both Bility and the car he left the family-owned business in. The information was quickly broadcast to officers on patrol, and Patrolman Michael DeMaio soon saw the suspect vehicle drive past him on Russell Avenue, Fox said. DeMaio promptly started to pursue the car, which was stopped at the entrance to Route 208 south with the assistance of a Franklin Lakes officer.

Sgt. Michael Ragucci joined the officers at the scene, where Bility and his driver, Bryant J. Cabrera, 22, were arrested. 

The Brooklyn men initially told police that they had no knowledge of any theft, Fox said, and the Rolex was not found in the car. However, police believed that the watch could have been thrown from the vehicle after DeMaio initiated a U-turn to begin his pursuit on Russell Avenue. Indeed, the watch was found by Detective Michael Musto in a snow bank in front of a home near Helena Avenue, Fox said. Additionally, the watch sustained only minor damage.

Fox noted that the value of the Rolex makes the charges against the Brooklyn men third-degree offenses. Bility was charged with theft. Cabrera, who did not enter the store, was charged with conspiracy to commit third-degree theft. Both men made $10,000 bail following their arrests.

Detective Sgt. Joseph Soto, Sgt. Jack McEwan and Midland Park police Chief John Casson also assisted in the investigation.

A representative of Hartgers Jewelers was not immediately available for comment Thursday afternoon.