This Haircut Had To Wait

Two off-duty cops stopped by Fair Haven to catch a haircut — and ending catching an alleged crook.

The episode occurred Saturday morning at Orlando’s Barber Shop on Grand Avenue. Here’s what happened, according to police spokesman Officer David Hartman:

Officers Miguel Aponte and Milton DeJesus were in the midst of their haircuts when ​“a barber reported a fight next door” involving a gunman. They interrupted their haircuts to head to the scene, where they ​“spotted a man holding a handgun. He’d put it into his pocket and was heading to the
door. Officers Aponte and DeJesus identified themselves as police officers, as the armed man pulled out the gun. A barber, standing next to the gunman, smacked it out of his hand.

“When it hit the floor, another barber stepped on it so he couldn’t retrieve it. Officers Aponte and DeJesus held him for their responding colleagues.”

The arrestee, a 19-year-old Fair Havener, was charged with second degree assault, first degree reckless endangerment, risk of injury to a child, carrying a pistol without a permit and breach of peace. Police confiscated his loaded Jennings Arms 9mm handgun for evidence and interviewed witnesses. His victim, who ​“had been pistol-whipped about a dozen times,” was treated at Yale-New Haven Hospital for ​“severe facial lacerations.”

Officer DeJesus (pictured) returned to his chair for the completion of his fade. (The fate of Aponte’s haircut could not be confirmed as this story was published, but it was reported to have been largely finished at the time of the interruption.)

“A New Haven police officer is never off duty. Fast work by Officers Aponte and DeJesus took another gun off the street,” Chief Dean Esserman stated. ​“We are particularly grateful to the merchants who stepped in to help. Their swift actions will not be forgotten.”