NYPD rookie makes arrest moments after graduation

NEW YORK
National News, AP - 5 months ago

A New York Police Department rookie just couldn't wait to get started.

One of the NYPD's newest officers has made his first arrest just minutes after graduating from the Police Academy in a ceremony at Madison Square Garden.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says 23-year-old Officer Dariel Firpo is "off to a great start."

A police spokesman says Firpo was leaving Thursday afternoon's ceremony when he saw a 79-year-old man being robbed of his wallet and thrown to the ground by a mugger in midtown Manhattan.

Police say the mugger tried to run away but Firpo caught him without incident. They say he's being charged with robbery.

The victim has been treated at a hospital for a broken wrist.

Firpo says he wants to focus on community affairs.