Police Charge Man With Felony Larceny

A Brooklyn man faces a felony charge after police say he was caught riding a bike stolen from the Harrison Train Station. 

William Morales, 55, was riding the bike against traffic near 123 Halstead Avenue on Feb. 14 at about 12:45 p.m. Police stopped him because of the hazard he was creating on the busy street. 

While speaking with Morales, an officer at the scene noticed a cut bike lock and a pair of bolt cutters sticking out of an open backpack Morales was carrying, arrest reports say. During the interview police said Morales admitted the bike he was riding wasn't his and he was unable to keep a consistent story as to how he obtained it.

A search of the backpack revealed several other items, police say, and Morales was placed under arrest. Because police believe more than $1,000 was stolen and Morales was charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a felony, as well as misdemeanor possession of burglar tools and petit larceny.

Morales, of 1591 Sterling Place, Brooklyn, was released without bail.

The owner of the bike later claimed it at police headquarters, reporting that it was stolen from a bike rack near the Harrison Train Station.