NEW YORK — A 25-year-old man has been arrested for stealing a ceremonial sword and bullhorn from Coach Rick Pitino’ s office at St. John’s University, New York City police said Saturday.
Emanuel Yakubov was arrested Friday, one day after police released surveillance footage showing two men walking down a hallway in the building, with one carrying the stolen sword and the other holding the bullhorn.
Yakubov, who lives in Queens where the Catholic institution is located, was charged with burglary, petit larceny, trespassing and possession of stolen property, police said. He remained in custody Saturday. It was unknown whether he had a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.
Police said the theft happened Tuesday night when two people gained entry to the university athletics department offices “without authorization” and removed a number of items before fleeing on a moped.
The second suspect was still at large Saturday, police said.
“St. John’s University is grateful for the rapid response made by the NYPD and the recovery of stolen property,” university spokesperson Brian Browne said in a statement. “The safety and security of our campus community are essential, and our cooperative relationship with law enforcement helps ensure that.”
Born in New York City and raised on Long Island, Pitino, a Hall of Fame coach, was hired by St. John’s last year with the hopes of restoring a once storied Big East program that had its heyday in the 1980s.
A man from New York City is facing charges for the theft of a sword and bullhorn from Coach Rick Pitino’s office at St. John’s University. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has left many shocked and puzzled as to why someone would steal such items from a prominent figure in the sports world.
Coach Rick Pitino is a well-known and respected basketball coach who has had success at both the college and professional levels. He is currently the head coach of the St. John’s University men’s basketball team, where he is known for his passion and dedication to the game.
The theft of the sword and bullhorn from Coach Pitino’s office has raised questions about the security measures in place at St. John’s University. How was someone able to gain access to the office and steal these items without being detected? These are questions that university officials are likely investigating as they work to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The stolen items, a sword and bullhorn, are not your typical stolen goods. The sword is believed to be a decorative piece, possibly a gift or memento, while the bullhorn is likely used by Coach Pitino during practices or games to communicate with his players. It is unclear why someone would target these specific items, but it is clear that the theft has caused a disruption for Coach Pitino and his team.
The man from New York City who is facing charges for the theft has not been identified, but it is likely that he will face consequences for his actions. Theft is a serious crime, and stealing from a high-profile figure like Coach Pitino only adds to the severity of the situation.
As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of security measures in place at universities and other institutions. It also highlights the impact that theft can have on individuals, even those in positions of power and influence.
In the meantime, Coach Pitino and his team are working to move past this incident and focus on their upcoming games. The stolen items may be replaced, but the sense of security and trust that has been shaken by this theft may take longer to repair.
