FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com FEBRUARY 21, 2013 • THE QUEENS COURIER 19 MOTHER OF SLAIN GUARDSMAN VOWS JUSTICE BY ALEXA ALTMAN [email protected] Even after the verdict was fi nal, Cecilia Reyes vowed her son would get justice. Reyes, the mother of Noel Polanco, the 22-year-old National Guardsman who was killed by a police offi cer during a traffi c stop on the Grand Central Parkway on October 4, was outraged by the court’s ruling that her son’s killer would not be tried. On February 14, after fi ve weeks of deliberations, a Queens grand jury determined criminal charges would not be fi led against Hassan Hamdy, the NYPD offi cer who fatally shot Polanco. In a statement, District Attorney Richard A. Brown indicated he would not provide the reason behind the grand jury’s decision and called Polanco’s death “a tragedy.” Regardless of the ruling, Reyes remained determined to ensure her son, who aspired to become a police offi cer, did not die in vain. Joined by Polanco’s sister Amanda, Reyes addressed the grand jury’s ruling at the National Action Network’s (NAN) Harlem headquarters on February 16. NAN founder the Rev. Al Sharpton gave the eulogy at Polanco’s funeral and has remained invested in the case. “I’m very upset. I’m very, very angry at the justice system,” said Reyes. “I’m angry. I’m hurt. They didn’t do the justice that they needed to do for my son. But I’m not giving up. I’m continuing on and I’m going to fi ght with every being in my life.” Polanco was pulled over when he was spotted driving erratically in his black 2012 Honda Fit, weaving between lanes and speeding on the Grand Central Parkway before allegedly cutting off an unmarked police vehicle. Hamdy allegedly fi red the single shot that killed Polanco when he told him to put his hands on the steering wheel and Polanco reached under the seat. Testimony from two eye witnesses driving with Polanco, Diane DeFerrari, a bartender and Polanco’s neighbor, and Vanessa Rodriguez, an off-duty police offi cer, persisted with the claim that Polanco followed orders from the offi cer. No weapon was discovered in Polanco’s car. “My son had no weapon and yet the officer gets away with this,” said Reyes. “If it was to be someone else in the street, right away they would prosecute this kid – this officer was still a murderer, no matter what.” According to reports, the family intends to pursue the case in civil court. Photo via Facebook Noel Polanco was fatally shot by a police offi cer during a traffi c stop on the Grand Central Parkway on October 4. Cannibal Cop eyed athlete softball player BY ALEXA ALTMAN [email protected] One object of the Cannibal Cop’s obsession was an 18-year-old softball star from Archbishop Molloy High School. Gilberto Valle, the six-year NYPD veteran who planned to kidnap, kill and consume 100 women, eyed a girl from his own alma mater to join his roster of victims. According to reports, in emails exchanged between Valle and another cannibalistic co-conspirator, the File photo potential prey was referred to as “the most desirable piece of meat I have Gilberto Valle eyed ever met,” adding that “she is a musthave.” a softball player from Archbishop Molloy High In a later online conversation, School as a potential Valle mentioned the athlete again, victim. noting “my oven is pretty big, and I can take the racks out.” “I know she is a wreck right now,” said a close friend of the target, who wished to remain anonymous. The friend alleged that Valle attended softball games. “She’s nervous and scared because she might have to testify at trial to prove that she had no contact with Valle,” said the friend. Valle’s trial is set to begin on February 25. Additional reporting by Anthony O’Reilly General Dentistry • Dental Implants • Non Invasive Laser Periodontal Surgery BELL BLVD. DENTAL, P.C. Diplomat of American Board of Periodontology Complimentary Exam, Panoramic X-rays $150 OFF LASER GUM SURGERY 46-01 Bell Boulevard • Bayside •718.281.2222 www.lanapny.com MOST DENTAL INSURANCE ACCEPTED & Consultation Not valid with any other offer. Each Dental Implant Not valid with any other offer. Advanced Center For Laser & Implant Dentistry Harvard Trained Periodontist Dental Laser Gum Surgery Available Here What is LANAP? Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure Laser is a gentle, conservative and non-invasive alternative to the old-fashioned non-laser cut and suture method. Utilizing a Dental Laser (that kills up to 99% of the bacteria) without having to significantly excise or eliminate gum tissue, has revolutionized periodontal treatment. NO FEAR NO CUTTING NO STITCHES NO PAIN Meet Dr. Song Fully Qualified in LANAP
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