NYPD Refuses to Pay Out $10k Reward to Hero Teenagers

The denial of a promised reward to teens who were instrumental in capturing a subway arsonist spotlights the complexities and controversies inherent in procedural policies.

At a Glance

  • Three teens identified and reported subway arson suspect Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, aiding his arrest.
  • Despite a $10,000 reward, the NYPD will not award it due to procedural missteps.
  • The teens’ call to 911, not the designated tip line, disqualified them from the reward.
  • Locals and council members are calling for NYPD reevaluation of the current policy.

Teens’ Actions and Reward Denial

In Brooklyn, three high school basketball players played a pivotal role in the apprehension of subway arson suspect Sebastian Zapeta-Calil. Their actions, however, went unrewarded by the NYPD, who cited the protocol surrounding the Crime Stoppers tip line as the reason for denying the $10,000 reward. The teens, who promptly called 911, acted in good faith without knowledge of the reward at the time.

Despite their critical intervention, these young heroes find themselves embroiled in a debate over reward policies. The Crime Stoppers program’s rules specifically require tips to be submitted through their hotline, not 911, to qualify for rewards.

The community and local officials are rallying behind the teens, arguing the spirit of their actions should take precedence.

Navid’s father expressed frustration with the procedural requirement, noting, “I think it’s such B.S. that you have to call this exact number. Most people call 911.”

City Council Member Susan Zhuang emphasized, “These teens deserve the reward! Denying them the reward is wrong. These are just kids and they are taught to call 911, not some tip line.”

Their sentiments reflect widespread discomfort with the process.

Prominent figures like Curtis Sliwa have also criticized the bureaucratic obstacles.

Former Republican NYC Mayoral candidate Sliwa said, “They make it impossible for you to collect because they run you through what I call the Bureaucratic Mumbo Jumbo… Just admit you don’t want to pay out. You faked everybody out.”

So what now?

The families of the teens plan to continue pursuing the reward, highlighting the importance of their civic duty and bravery. If successful, they intend to use the funds for college tuition and personal expenses, further underscoring their selfless motives. Meanwhile, the NYPD and the NYC Police Foundation may face pressure to clarify or amend policies to better align with public expectations and reward genuine acts of courage.