Mount Vernon — PFC Adrian Steiding is the Sully District Police Station’s Officer of the Month for May. He was honored during his evening roll call. Lt. Rich Morvillo, assistant station commander, presented an example of Steiding’s work illustrating why he was selected.

On July 29, 2012, Steiding responded to Pickets Post Road and Massaponax Place for a report of people who’d discharged a firearm near or on private property. “They were seen leaving a wooded area off of Bull Run Road where the gunshots had been heard,” wrote Morvillo.

They were subsequently detained by Steiding and an off-duty officer. “Steiding recognized the driver as a known, convicted felon and drug user,” wrote Morvillo. “He identified the passenger and learned of a magazine and a single round of ammunition in plain view inside the vehicle.”

After receiving their Miranda warnings, wrote Morvillo, the suspects admitted to shooting the gun in the wooded area nearby. “Steiding and our detectives conducted follow-up interviews and obtained additional, criminal-activity information regarding those arrested,” he wrote. “Confessions were obtained regarding the purchase of a weapon for a convicted felon who was restricted from owning a weapon, and lying on the ATF form to complete the purchase.”

All totaled, this case resulted in two misdemeanor charges, as well as six felonies — three of which will be heard in federal court, where the defendant will face a mandatory-minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. Added Morvillo: “This case is a great example of perseverance and teamwork between our officers and detectives.”