You are reading

Two Teens Busted While Burglarizing Woodside Construction Site, Arresting Officer Commended

Police Officer Steven Mercaldo from the 108th Precinct, pictured, is being praised for nabbing two teens they were attempting to steal items from a construction site in Woodside Tuesday (Photo: Google Maps (L) and Twitter (R) via @NYPD108Pct)

Jan. 19, 2023 By Michael Dorgan

A cop from the 108th Precinct is being commended for nabbing two teens while they were attempting to steal items from a construction site in Woodside Tuesday, police said.

Police Officer Steven Mercaldo — along with members of the precinct’s public safety team — arrested the teens while they were trying to remove items from 70-33 Queens Blvd., where a 9-story residential building is currently being constructed, the NYPD said.

The 108th Precinct singled out Mercaldo via a tweet congratulating him for his work in catching the teenagers, who have a long rap sheet despite their young age.

The duo, Rafael Martes of Manhattan and Dylan Sanchez of 43rd Avenue in Long Island City, are aged 18 and 19 respectively, police said.

“Great job by Officer Mercaldo & the Public Safety team for apprehending & arresting two perpetrators actively BURGLARIZING a building on Queens Blvd.,” the tweet reads.

“The perpetrators have been previously arrested for ROBBERIES, Grand Larcenies of Autos & a slew of others. Outstanding Work!”

Police say Martes and Sanchez have both been charged with burglary and criminal trespassing following Tuesday’s incident.

email the author: news@queenspost.com

One Comment

Click for Comments 

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Fall fun in western Queens: Your guide to the best seasonal events

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

With beach days and summer BBQs behind us, the start of September rings in the start of magnificent Fall foliage, Halloween and more fun activities that come with the start of Autumn, including a list of Fall events in the area. From apple picking to seasonal ciders and more, there is tons to explore in the community. From Mystic Markets to scary movie meet-ups and more, here is a list of Fall events you do not want to miss.

A hidden gem in Sunnyside: Bistro Punta Sal blends Peruvian and Italian flavors

Aug. 29, 2025 By Jessica Militello

On a quiet street in Sunnyside, Bistro Punta Sal has its French doors wide open, letting the late August breeze emanate throughout the space, which is ornate with flowers, paintings and an array of tables and chairs for intimate dinners with friends or a romantic date night. The cozy restaurant, located at 45-51 46th St., is a hidden gem in the neighborhood that is just waiting to be discovered, as the sights and aromas of the restaurant invite guests in. 

Queens Together launches ‘Unofficial US Open Dining Guide’ encouraging fans to sample restaurants along the 7 line

Aug. 20, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

The US Open returns to Flushing Meadows Corona Park this Sunday, with more than 1 million attendees anticipated to take mass transit to the iconic annual tennis event. With hundreds of thousands of fans set to take the 7 out to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, there is a world of delicious local eateries lying beneath the elevated train tracks should any fan wish to stop en-route to the US Open.