A dim-witted robber wearing a ski mask ran smack into a car as he tried to flee Brooklyn cops — and landed in jail for a bodega stick-up.
Police officers John Buchanan and Robert Bramble, both 25, were on the hunt for a gun-wielding robber Tuesday when they identified the suspect by his dreadlocks, “very distinct” red and black Nike sneakers, blue jeans and black cap, Buchanan said.
When the duo tried to stop the man in the Bedford-Stuyvensant neighborhood where the robbery was committed, he “immediately takes flight,” Buchanan said.
The cops, both on patrol as Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCOs), began chasing Mordecai Omatiga, who immediately started pulling his pistol.
“He’s actually drawing a black firearm from the rear of his waistband as we chased him,” Buchanan said.
But the robber, who was running while looking over his shoulder, failed to note the obstacles in his path.
“He ran into a parked car while looking back at me,” Buchanan said.
The cops, both of whom have three years on the job, each grabbed one of the man’s arms and arrested him.
Omatiga, 28, was later identified in a line-up. Cops say he robbed Olive Leaf Gourmet on Halsey Street at 7 p.m. Monday.
Omatiga, who stole a $100, faces a long list of charges, including robbery and criminal possession of a weapon.
“It’s quite possible he was out to continue his evil deeds,” an NYPD spokesman said.
Omatiga, who lives in Ossining, was wearing a rolled up ski mask when Buchanan and Bramble nabbed him.
The NCO program was designed to connect officers with community members.
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