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Police arrest suspect in brazen robbery of St. John’s basketball coach Rick Pitino’s office
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Police arrest suspect in brazen robbery of St. John’s basketball coach Rick Pitino’s office

A Long Island City man has been arrested in connection with the robbery of legendary basketball coach Rick Pitino’s office at St. John’s University.

According to the NYPD, Emanuel Yakubov was arrested by the 107th Precinct at 9 p.m. Friday night.

Yakubov, 25, was charged with third-degree burglary, petty theft, third-degree criminal trespassing and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

The stolen memorabilia included an autographed basketball, a megaphone and a ceremonial dagger.

Surveillance footage released by the NYPD shows two suspects allegedly breaking into the office of St. John’s University coach Rick Pitino and stealing memorabilia.

It was not yet clear when Yakubov would appear in court on the charges.

“St. John’s University is grateful for the NYPD’s quick response and recovery of stolen property,” said St. John’s spokesman Brian Browne in response to the arrest.

“The safety and security of our campus community are essential, and our partnership with law enforcement helps ensure that.”

Two crooks were caught on camera breaking into Carnesecca Arena, where Pitino’s office is located above the basketball court, on Tuesday night.

The two suspects took items worth more than $300.

Footage of the robbery shared with The Post showed two men walking through the hallways of the arena. One man can be seen holding a small bullhorn, an item that sources said was stolen from Pitino’s office.

Other items taken from the coach’s office included a mask and bottles of alcohol, sources said.

Pitino joked online about the robbery, saying he was furious that the thieves took a bottle of fine wine costing $1,500 or more.

Rick Pitino joked about the robbery on social media. AP

“Really upset!” he wrote. “Taking my memorabilia is one thing, but the 1985 6L Petrus Pomerol makes me mad!!!”

“I would never keep that on my desk!” he later clarified. “I keep that in a wine cellar to open after the Johnnies go to the final four!”

The suspects fled on a moped.