Police officials announced Tuesday that they have arrested a teenage accomplice who they say stole memorabilia during a clumsy robbery inside legendary St. John's University basketball coach Rick Pitino's office last month.
According to police sources, the 17-year-old robber turned himself in to officers for his daring involvement in the bizarre Aug. 20 robbery, weeks after officers arrested his 25-year-old neighbor, Emmanuel Yakubov, of Long Island City.
The young man, whose name police did not release because of his age, was charged with theft and trespassing after he allegedly broke into Pitino's office and took a ceremonial dagger and a bullhorn.
They also are accused of stealing several bottles of alcohol, a mask and an autographed basketball.
Footage from the robbery scene shows what appears to be a teenager holding a megaphone and talking on a cellphone in a hallway inside the Carne Seca arena, walking next to a fellow robber clutching a dagger.
Neither man made any attempt to conceal his identity, according to the video.
Sources previously told The Post that the coach's office is located above the basketball court.
Police sources said Tuesday that a 12-year-old boy may also have been involved in the crime, but police are unsure of the boy's role and have not yet located him.
Yakubov was arrested a few days after the robbery and denied the charges when questioned by a Washington Post reporter.
“I didn't steal the basketball,” said the 25-year-old, who was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on charges of theft, trespass, petty theft and burglary.
The defendant also appeared confused by his lawyers' emphasis on his client's community ties and claims during his court appearance that he has no prior arrests.
“What do you mean, you've never been arrested before?” he could be heard telling his lawyer after the arraignment.
Meanwhile, Pitino, the former NBA coach with the Knicks, joked about the stolen alcohol after the robbery.
“I'm really angry!” He wrote to X.
“I don't mind having my souvenirs stolen, but a 6L bottle of 1985 Petrus Pomerol infuriates me!”
