Authorities in Nassau and Suffolk are offering a $75,000 reward for information leading to an arrest after police say they received a credible threat against officers by MS-13.
The Nassau County Police Department said in a statement Thursday that it was made aware of a threat of violence against its officers based on information from Hempstead police.
A person described as a credible informant warned police that MS-13 is looking to shoot an officer on Long Island. According to a police memo, a subject called "Christian" told the informant that police are making too many arrests and that MS-13 wants to take back the streets and "take out" a police officer like in El Salvador. "Christian" is described as a thin, tall, light skinned Hispanic male with three dots tattooed next to his eye.
Nassau Crime Stoppers has offered $25,000 for information leading to an arrest. The PBAs for Nassau and Suffolk counties have also offered $25,000.
"They feel like they are getting arrested too often," said Nassau's PBA President James McDermott. "I'm glad they feel that way. But to take a police officer’s life, to ambush them, they are cowards. They are all cowards."
Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder has told his officers to be careful. He said they will be doubling up patrol cars.
Officers are also being told to not dress in uniform off duty and to drive different routes during their daily routines.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to call the police or Nassau’s Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.