'Top Cops' honored for defending W.H. business

Anthony DiGregorio and Kerry Harracksingh were the county’s “Top Cops” of February for chasing and arresting the men who allegedly robbed a 7-Eleven, in West Hempstead, at gunpoint.

On Dec. 23, DiGregorio and Harracksingh were working in the Fifth Precinct when a call came in that a 7-Eleven in West Hempstead had been armed at gunpoint. While patrolling in Elmont, DiGregorio saw the black Kia Soul the men fled in. He attempted to pull the car over, but the driver refused. Later, the men intentionally crashed into Harracksingh’s police car while he was canvassing the area.

Immediately after being struck — and despite sustaining a broken finger, torn rotator cuff, herniated discs and a concussion — Harracksingh coordinated the law enforcement response and chased the vehicle until it crashed into a parked car. The four men ran away. Harracksingh and DiGregorio each apprehended a man, while other responding offers captured the remaining suspects. Harracksingh remains off duty as he continues to recover from his injuries.

“Thank you very much for your heroic actions in which you protected the residents of Elmont and the Third Legislative District,” County Legislator Carrié Solages said during the Monday, Feb. 26 meeting of the full County Legislature. “We truly appreciate your presence, your engagement, your involvement in helping our young people.

“I pray for your speedy recovery and thank you for always being present in our community.”