When Cobleskill Patrolman Matt Battisti pulled his squad car over the sidewalk in front of Woodbeck’s Liquor Store Sunday morning, he blocked the path of Jorge Sanchez.
That was the plan, and it worked.
Officer Battisti apprehended Mr. Sanchez and charged him with attempting to break into the liquor store.
Police said Mr. Sanchez, 21, of the Bronx smashed the front-door window and tried to kick in the door itself of the Main Street, Cobleskill, business shortly after 10am Sunday.
A passerby called 911 to report the attempt, and Patrolman Battisti, who was on Barnerville Road at the time, responded.
“I pulled into the driveway at Woodbeck’s so he had to either go over a snowbank, over the car or around the back of it,” Officer Battisti said Monday.
Mr. Sanchez took none of those choices and surrendered.
Meanwhile, Officer Battisti called to a young man who had been with Mr. Sanchez, and he surrendered, too.
Mr. Sanchez later told police that it was his intent to enter the store and steal alcohol.
“It was a good snag, and I’m glad he got him,” Police Chief Mike O’Brien said.
Officer Battisti said the two men were walking to McDonald’s when Mr. Sanchez said he was going to get some liquor. His friend thought Mr. Sanchez was kidding and didn’t take part when Mr. Sanchez tried to kick in the door, Officer Battisti said.
“As I got him [Mr. Sanchez] in the car, I called to the other guy and he came over,” Officer Battisti said.
While Village Police, State Police and Schoharie County Sheriff’s deputies investigated, Mr. Sanchez was held in the back of Officer Battisti’s patrol car.
Damage was estimated at $400 to the door. Mr. Sanchez did not enter the store and didn’t take any liquor.
Woodbeck’s owner Andy Lawyer said that in the 20 years of doing business, there’s never been a similar attempt.
Mr. Sanchez was charged with third-degree attempted burglary and third-degree criminal mischief. Both are Class E felonies.
He was arraigned in Cobleskill Village Court and was remanded to the Schoharie County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail, $5,000 bond.
Mr. Sanchez was to return to village court Tuesday evening for further action.