Police & Fire

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole a PlayStation 5 from a Middle Island store this month.

A man allegedly stole a PlayStation 5, valued at $449, from Walmart, located at 750 Middle Country Road, on February 14 at 8:10 p.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man and two women who allegedly stole merchandise from a South Setauket store this month.

A man and two women allegedly stole home products from Target, located at 255 Pond Path, on February 8 at approximately 5:55 p.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole merchandise from a Middle Island store.

A man allegedly stole approximately $300 worth of electronics from Walmart, 750 Middle Country Road, on February 9 at 5:37 p.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

On Friday, Feb. 14 Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. recognized Brooke DiPalma and Jaimie DiPalma as the recipients of the Community Leadership Award for their extraordinary dedication to mental health awareness and suicide prevention through P.S. I Love You Day. 

On April 23, 2010, Brooke and Jaimie experienced an unimaginable loss when their father, Joseph DiPalma, died by suicide. In the wake of their grief, they turned their pain into a powerful movement for change. Inspired by their father’s final words, “I love you,” Brooke, with the support of her family and high school community, founded P.S. I Love You Day. Held annually on the second Friday of February, the initiative encourages people to wear purple as a sign of unity against bullying, a commitment to ending depression and a message of hope for suicide prevention. 

P.S. I Love You Day has grown into a nationwide movement, fostering conversations about mental health and spreading kindness in schools, workplaces and communities. Through their efforts, Brooke and Jaimie have provided a platform for support and awareness, reminding individuals that they are never alone. 

Each month, Sheriff Toulon presents the Community Leadership Award to recognize Suffolk County residents who go above and beyond to better their communities and provide support to those in need. 

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Suffolk County D.A. Raymond Tierney

Michael Parise Allegedly Burglarized 10 Businesses in Nearly Three Months

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Michael Parise, 49, of Selden, was indicted for 10 counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, and related charges, after allegedly breaking into and stealing from 10 small business in Suffolk County, including multiple restaurants, two fitness-related businesses, a hair salon, an animal hospital, and a bagel shop.

“This defendant was arraigned today on multiple felony charges for allegedly going on a nearly three-month crime spree where he systematically burglarized 10 businesses,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We will not stand by while criminals prey on businesses that form the backbone of our local economy and provide services to our residents. Business owners deserve to feel safe when they open for the day and lock up for the night, and we intend to hold those who violate that sense of safety accountable.”

According to the investigation, between November 2024 through February 2025, Parise allegedly burglarized 10 commercial businesses, attempted to burglarize an eleventh, and further allegedly entered an open commercial business during the day where he stole cash. The victimized businesses were located throughout the towns of Smithtown and Brookhaven. To gain entry into the commercial establishments, Parise would allegedly smash the glass door or window.

On December 26, 2024, Parise allegedly broke into Ronald McDonald donation box located at the McDonald’s on 2324 Nesconset Highway in Stony Brook, which was open for business at the time, and made off with $20. In total, Parise allegedly stole approximately $7,413 in cash and a cellphone.

On February 2, 2025, at about 11 a.m., Suffolk County Police arrested Parise in Coram about three miles away from the Peking Chinese Kitchen at 640 Middle Country Road in Selden, after he allegedly attempted to break into the eatery earlier that morning. That particular restaurant is located within a five-minute walk from a Subway restaurant and a Middle Country Animal Hospital that he had allegedly burglarized earlier that same day.

Parise is accused of burglarizing the following commercial business:

  • November 27, 2024 – Subway, 2350 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook.
  • December 16, 2024 – Ssambap Korean BBQ, 2350 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook.
  • December 24, 2024 – Orange Theory Fitness, 2306 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook.
  • December 26, 2024 – Hype Cut and Color Bar Hair Salon, 159 Terry Road, Smithtown.
  • December 26, 2024 – Rebel Kickboxing Gym, 161 Terry Road, Smithtown.
  • December 27, 2024 – Taino’s Cafe and Lounge, 24 Middle Country Road, Coram.
  • January 5, 2025 – Bagel of Stony Brook Cafe, 2310 Nesconset Highway, Stony Brook.
  • January 30, 2025 – Kimochi Bubble Tea, 237 Middle Country Road, Selden.
  • February 2, 2025 – Subway, 672 Middle Country Road, Selden.
  • February 2, 2025 – Middle Country Animal Hospital, 644D Middle Country Road, Selden.

    On February 19, 2025, Parise was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice Timothy D. Mazzei, for the following charges contained in the indictment:

  • Ten counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, Class D felonies;
  • One count of Attempted Burglary in the Third Degree, a Class E felony;
  • One count of Petit Larceny; a Class A misdemeanor; and
  • One count of Criminal Mischief; a Class A misdemeanor.

Justice Mazzei ordered Parise held on $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond or $2,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Parise is due back in court on March 20, 2025, and faces 3 1⁄2 to 7 years in prison on each of the top counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, if convicted. He is being represented by the Legal Aid Society.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Carey Ng of the Major Crime Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Ashley Cangro of the East End Bureau. The investigation was conducted by Suffolk County Police Detectives Corey Banfi, Michael Cafarella, Cameron Gee, Alexander Hendrickson, Vashawn Hussein, Solomon Jacobs, Lindsey Kuri, Anthony Parenti, Shaun Sullivan, along with other officers from the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fourth and Sixth Squads.

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Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fifth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly used stolen credit cards in Medford earlier this month.

The man pictured allegedly used stolen credit cards to make two purchases at Target in Medford, totaling approximately $125, and a $112 purchase at Walgreens in Medford, all on February 4. The cards were stolen from a vehicle parked at LA Fitness in Patchogue earlier that day.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 19 that Demario Weston Jr., 22, of Farmingville, was indicted for Robbery in the First Degree in connection with the alleged gun-point robbery of El Queztal Deli in Flanders in September 2024.

Weston and his girlfriend, Tiana MacDonald, 24, of Farmingville, also face several additional charges, including Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child following the execution of a search warrant at the couple’s home.

“The allegations detail a disturbing pattern of criminal conduct that has threatened the safety of our community,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office remains committed to protecting our local businesses and ridding our streets of both violent offenders and dangerous drugs.”

According to the investigation, on September 23, 2024, shortly before noon, Weston allegedly entered El Quetzal Deli on Flanders Road while masked, wearing a winter coat, and armed with a handgun equipped with a laser sight.

Upon entering the deli, Weston allegedly threatened the clerk and thereafter stole approximately $6,000 from the cash register. He then allegedly pistol-whipped the clerk about her head and body.

On January 8, 2025, after an extensive investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at Weston’s Farmingville apartment. Inside the residence, police found Weston along with MacDonald, and MacDonald’s young child. The search allegedly uncovered a loaded handgun with a blue laser light attached that is believed to have been used in the robbery, as well as additional ammunition, fentanyl, cocaine, digital scales, U.S. currency, and clothing allegedly worn during the robbery.

On Jan. 23, Weston was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski for the following charges contained in the indictment:
  • One count of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  • Two counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies;
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony;
  • One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony;
  • Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D violent felonies;
  • Three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Third Degree, Class B felonies;
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony;
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E felony;
  • One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor;
  • Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor;
  • One count of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

    On February 18, 2025, MacDonald was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Pilewski for the following charges contained in the indictment:

  • Three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in Third Degree, Class B felonies;
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony;
  • One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor; 2
  • Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor; and
  • One count of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

    Justice Pilewski ordered Weston held on $1,000,000 cash, $2,000,000 bond or $10,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Weston is due back in court on February 26, 2025, and faces 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by The Legal Aid Society.

    Despite the serious nature of her alleged offenses, MacDonald was released without bail because her charges are considered non-bail eligible under current New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set bail. MacDonald is due back in court on March 11, 2025, and faces 9 years in prison if convicted on the top count. She is being represented by Chase Brown, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kristen E. L. Yeamans of the Violent Crime Enterprises Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Police Officer Kesi Goree of the Southampton Town Police Department, Investigator Daniel Crerend of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, and Detective Daniel Hogan of the Riverhead Town Police Department.

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Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Police arrested four people for allegedly selling flavored vape products to underage people during compliance checks at business in the Second Precinct on Feb. 19.

In response to numerous community complaints, Suffolk County Police Second Precinct Crime Section officers conducted an investigation into the sale of vape products to underage people at 22 businesses.

During the investigation, four businesses were found to be selling flavored vape products and tobacco to an underage person. One of the shops sold vape products twice to underage police agents.

The following people were charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree:

  • Sabeeh Altaf, 25, of Central Islip, employed at Huntington Mart, located at 276 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station. Atlaf was charged with two counts for selling tobacco products two different times to underage people.
  • Yacoub Isselmou, 27, of Huntington Station, employed at Joe Joe Convenience and Candy Store, located at 212 Depot Road, Huntington Station.
  • Joseph Rueda Mendoza, 20, of East Northport, employed at 116 Market, located at 116 E. 11th St., Depot Road, Huntington Station.
  • Daniel Fuentes, 21, of Central Islip, employed at Highr Smoke Shop, located at 2066 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport.

All defendants were issued Field Appearance Tickets and are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

 

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Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Matthew Sheehy Was Allegedly Speeding and Impaired by Alcohol and Drugs When He Crashed into a Disabled Motorist on the Shoulder of the Road

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 19 that Matthew Sheehy, 47, of East Setauket, was indicted for Aggravated Vehicular Assault, Assault in the Second Degree, and other related charges, for allegedly speeding while intoxicated and impaired by drugs, and causing a three-vehicle crash that resulted in injuries to four people.

“This defendant allegedly made the reckless choice to drive while impaired by drugs and alcohol, forever changing the lives of innocent people who were simply trying to get to their destinations that day,” said District Attorney Tierney. “What we see in this case is the devastating cost of impaired driving and we will not tolerate drivers who turn our roadways into danger zones for law- abiding citizens.”

According to the investigation, on November 15, 2024, at approximately 12:21 a.m., Sheehy allegedly drove eastbound on the Long Island Expressway at a high rate of speed in his 2022 Ram pick-up truck, weaving in and out of lanes before he veered into the right shoulder of the expressway near Exits 62 and 63. He ultimately crashed into a disabled 2010 Chrysler Town and Country minivan that was parked on the shoulder that had one occupant inside.

The Chrysler was propelled into the expressway’s HOV lane, came to a stop, and was then struck by a third vehicle, a 2018 Honda CRV, which had three occupants inside. One passenger in the CRV sustained serious injuries from the crash, including the loss of her eyesight in one eye, brain bleeding and a skull fracture. The two other occupants inside the CRV and the occupant inside the Chrysler sustained various other injuries that required medical treatment at local hospitals.

Sheehy was later taken to the hospital where he was placed under arrest after it was determined that Sheehy was allegedly intoxicated by alcohol and impaired by drugs.

On February 19, 2025, Sheehy was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Philip Goglas, for the following charges:

  • One count of Aggravated Vehicular Assault, a Class C felony;
  • One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
  • One count of Vehicular Assault in the First Degree, a Class D felony;
  • One count of Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, a Class E felony;
  • Two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, Class E felonies;
  • Two Counts of Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Class E felonies;
  • One Count of Driving While Ability Impaired by the Combined Influence of Drugs

    or of Alcohol and any Drug or Drugs, a Class E felony;

  • Three counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors;
  • One count of Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor;
  • One count of Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor;
  • One count of Moving from Lane Unsafely, a traffic infraction;
  • One count of Speeding, a traffic infraction;
  • One count of Driving on Shoulder, a traffic infraction; and
  • One count of Failing to Move Over, a traffic infraction

Justice Goglas ordered Sheehy held on $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond or $1 million partially secured bond. Sheehy is due back in court on March 12, 2025, and faces 5 to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Michael Brown, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Rosenheck of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Joseph Bianco of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit.

 

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From left, Dwayne Jones and Randy Woods. Photo from Suffolk D.A.'s office

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Feb. 18 that Dwayne Jones, 46, of Central Islip, was sentenced to four to eight years in prison after he and his co-defendant, Randy Woods, 38, of Wyandanch, pleaded guilty for stealing tires and rims from 114 vehicles during the course of more than a year.

“The successful arrest, conviction and sentencing of these two defendants underscores our commitment to combating theft and property crimes in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This case also showcases the extensive collaboration and significant resources that are brought to bear on pattern crimes. We are grateful for the specialized investigative support from the Suffolk County Police Department and National Insurance Crime Bureau.”

“The National Insurance Crime Bureau would like to express our appreciation to the staff of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the investigators who tirelessly participated in this investigation. We are pleased that NICB had the opportunity to provide support,” said Kevin Gallagher, Regional Director of the Northeast Region of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. “Individuals who prey on consumers by stealing tires and rims from vehicles, not only cause financial loss, but disrupt every aspect of the consumer’s lives. The sentences imposed on these individuals demonstrate the commitment by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office to address these crimes and illuminate the consequences to those who would contemplate participating in this nefarious activity.”

According to the investigation, between July 1, 2022, and October 20, 2023, Woods and Jones targeted residents, car dealerships, and rental car companies across Suffolk County to steal tires and rims from several vehicles, with preference to vehicles from Honda, Toyota, Mercedes Benz, BMW, and black rims from SUVs.

On July 26, 2024, Woods pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins to one count of Auto Stripping in the First Degree, a Class D felony, and one count of Auto Stripping in the Second Degree, a Class E felony. Woods also pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, in an unrelated case.

On October 11, 2024, Woods was sentenced to a combined indeterminate sentence of five to 10 years with restitution judgement orders for the victims totaling $193,468.25. Woods was represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

On January 9, 2025, Jones pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins to two counts of Auto Stripping in the First Degree, Class D felonies.

On February 13, 2025, Jones was sentenced to a combined indeterminate sentence of four to eight years with restitution judgement orders for the victims totaling $193,468.19. Jones was represented by John Loturco, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys James Bartens and Blythe Miller of the Financial Crimes Bureau, with assistance from Detective Michael Lavella of the Property Auto Crime Unit of the Suffolk County Police Department, Detective Michael Filippazzo of the Gun Crime Reduction Unit of the Suffolk County Police Department, and Research Technician Emily Kiersnowski of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Specialized assistance was also received from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.