Police & Fire

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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 from a Centereach store this month.

A man allegedly stole merchandise, valued at $1,000, from Carter’s, located at 211 Centereach Mall, on April 19 at approximately 6:10 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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Steven Reid

Steven Reid is Expected to be Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison Followed by Five Years of Post-Release Supervision

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 19 that Steven Reid, 27, of Calverton, pleaded guilty to Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges, for opening fire at a candlelight vigil in Bellport in July 2023. Reid was also convicted of Assault in the Second Degree for his unprovoked attack on a Corrections Officer in December 2023 while in custody on the charges related to the July 2023 Attempted Murder incident.

“This defendant viciously opened fire on an unsuspecting community gathered to mourn the loss of a loved one,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The defendant then continued his violent behavior while in custody, assaulting an unsuspecting Corrections Officer just trying to do his job. This conviction sends a message that my office will prosecute gun violence in our community and violence against our law enforcement partners to the fullest extent.”

“Thank you to the District Attorney’s Office for their swift work in convicting Bloods gang member Steven Reid,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “In addition to his heinous crimes, Reid also assaulted a correction officer while in our custody. Corrections is not an easy job and people sometimes underestimate the dangers we deal with each day.”

On July 6, 2023, more than 100 people gathered in Bellport to celebrate the life of a community member who had tragically died in a motorcycle accident days before. At the end of the candlelight vigil, Reid became involved in a physical altercation with another man who attended the vigil.

During the altercation, Reid pulled out a gun and shot the man at point-blank range in the upper right thigh. The bullet shattered the man’s femur, passed through his leg, and lodged into his right shin. Vigil attendees placed a tourniquet on the man’s leg and rushed him to the hospital where he underwent emergency orthopedic surgery to replace his shattered femur with metal rods and pins.

Minutes later, Reid followed the dispersing crowd and opened fire on another group of vigil attendees. Reid allegedly shot at one man from close range. That victim suffered four gunshot wounds, including gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder, and both of his legs. Immediately thereafter, Reid opened fire at an adult female two times and then shot at another group of people, including a woman and a nine-year old boy, as they were running away to a nearby residence.

Reid fled Suffolk County and was apprehended in North Carolina in September 2023, and was brought back to Suffolk County to face charges. On December 19, 2023, while in custody at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility, Reid assaulted a 26-year-old Corrections Officer by hitting the officer several times without provocation.

On April 19, 2024, Reid pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice Anthony Senft to:

  •   Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  •   Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony; and
  •   Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony.

    Reid is due back in court for sentencing on May 22, 2024, and is expected to be sentenced to 14 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He is being represented by Eric Pack, Esq. and the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Anne E. Oh of the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Wilson Nieves of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fifth Squad, United States Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Taskforce, and the Warrant Enforcement Section and Computer Crimes Unit of the Suffolk County Police Department.

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Desmond Roberts

While Serving Probation for a Prior Felony Conviction, Desmond Roberts was Found in Possession of a Loaded Handgun, Multiple Illegal Drugs Packaged for Sale, and $190,000 in Cash

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Desmond Roberts, 31, of Coram, pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, for possessing a loaded semi-automatic firearm, fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone that investigators found during the execution of a court-ordered search warrant of his residence.

“It is deeply disappointing to see someone disregard the opportunity for rehabilitation provided by probation and instead choose to continue to break the law,” said District Attorney Tierney. “These crimes are serious violations of public safety and the law. Probation is a chance for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to positive change, and those who choose to ignore it, like this defendant did, must face the consequences of their actions.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on June 9, 2023, members of the Suffolk County Police Department executed a search warrant at Roberts’ residence in Coram. During their search, detectives found a loaded Smith and Wesson 9 mm semi-automatic firearm, as well as 9.71 ounces of cocaine, 4.56 ounces of fentanyl, and 0.58 ounces of oxycodone. All of the drugs were packaged in a manner consistent with drug sales.

In addition, detectives found drug paraphernalia including packaging material and diluents, three digital scales, multiple cell phones, and over $190,000 in cash. At the time of the search, law enforcement also found three young children in the home in close proximity to the drugs and gun.

At the time of the offense, Roberts was on probation for a 2018 conviction for Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree.

On April 19, 2024, Roberts pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, an A-II felony, before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro.

Roberts is due back in court for sentencing on May 24, 2024, and is expected to be sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He is being represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Dennis Wouters of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Thomas Daley of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Special Operations Team. The civil asset forfeiture action concerning the United States currency is being litigated by Assistant District Attorney Robert Barry from the Asset Forfeiture and Intelligence Bureau.

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Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole from a Lake Grove store this month.

A man allegedly stole sunglasses, valued at $3,115, from Sunglass Hut, located in the Smith Haven Mall, on April 11 at approximately 8 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.

More than 100 Suffolk County kids bowled with officers from the Suffolk County Police Department’s 6th and 7th Precincts at Coram Country Lanes in Coram. The inaugural event, entitled “Bowling with a Cop” and hosted by the two precincts, was free for kids and took place on Saturday, April 6.

The event gave kids an opportunity to get to know their local police officers in a fun, casual setting. While the event welcomed kids from kindergarten up through high school, the majority of attendees were in the 9-14 age range.

“We are working on building the relationships between police and our youth,” said Officer Stacie Pollio, who is a School Resource Officer with the 7th Precinct. “By hosting these types of events, we are making memories and impacting lives in a positive way.”

The precincts reached out to neighboring school districts and quickly reached capacity for the event. Officers went around from lane to lane to spend time with the kids. In addition to two games of bowling, the kids were also treated to pizza and soft drinks.

“We were thrilled to work with the men and women in blue on this wonderful inaugural community event,” said Joe LaSpina, Vice President of Maple Family Lanes, which owns Coram Country Lanes. “Bowling is a fun activity that brings people together, and there were a lot of smiles at our bowling center that day as the kids and officers bonded over bowling and pizza. I am sure it will be a memorable experience for all in attendance.”

Coram Country Lanes is located at 615 Middle Country Road in Coram.

For more information or to set up an interview, contact Ron Gold at 516-297-1637 or [email protected].

 

About Maple Family Centers

Providing fun for friends and families since 1960, Maple Family Centers consists of five family-owned bowling centers including Coram Country Lanes in Coram, N.Y.; Maple Lanes RVC in Rockville Centre, N.Y.; Jib Lanes in Flushing, N.Y.; Maple Lanes Countryside in Clearwater, Fla; and Orange Bowl Lanes in Lakeland, Fla. A third-generation family-owned and operated company, Maple Family Centers is all about entertaining the community and building relationships. President John LaSpina and Vice President Joe LaSpina share their joy of bowling with families and sports enthusiasts and lead MFC in supporting the needs of the community by creating fundraising opportunities for not-for-profit agencies.

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File photo

Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives are investigating an incident in which a man was shot in his wallet at an apartment complex in Coram on April 17.

An unknown person fired multiple shots into a vehicle located at the intersection of Homestead Drive
and Grant Court inside the Homestead Village Apartment Complex at approximately 10:50 a.m. A bullet became lodged in the wallet of a man who was inside the vehicle. The man was not injured.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652 or
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

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Do you recognize this woman? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a woman who allegedly stole from an Islandia store in March.

A woman allegedly stole socks and shoes from Famous Footwear, located at 1770 Memorial Highway, at approximately 6:50 p.m. on March 11.

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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File photo

Suffolk County Police arrested an employee at a smoke shop for allegedly selling cannabis and illegal vape products without a license in Huntington Station on April 18.

In response to community complaints, Second Precinct Crime Section officers and Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and Building Department executed a search warrant at Rollie’s Smoke Shop IV, located at 278 E. Jericho Turnpike at approximately 2:15 p.m. The investigators seized marijuana, THC marijuana vapes, large quantities of flavor vape products as well as cash.

An employee, Pardeep Kumar was arrested and charged with three counts of alleged Unlawful Sale of Cannabis, three counts of Sale of Cannabis Without a License, Unlawful Possession of Cannabis, two counts of Criminal Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd Degree, and Unlawful Sale of Flavor Vapes.

The Town of Huntington issued several violations and is conducting a further investigation into the business. Kumar, 35, of Bellerose, was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to appear at First
District Court in Central Islip on May 8.

Clyves Laurent

Clyves Laurent Faces up to 15 Years in Prison at Sentencing

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Clyves Laurent, 30, of Elmont, was found guilty after a jury trial of weapons and drug charges, for possessing a defaced loaded handgun and methamphetamine outside of a Mount Sinai gas station convenience store.

“This defendant, a previously convicted violent felon, was in possession of a defaced and loaded handgun when he entered a convenience store with a ski mask on,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the sharp eyes and quick thinking of an off-duty Suffolk County detective, a potentially violent incident was averted.”

The evidence at trial established that on February 11, 2023, at approximately 1:20 a.m., an off- duty Suffolk County Police Department detective observed a male matching the description of a person wanted for a robbery of a Smoke Shop that occurred a week earlier at a Sunoco gas station in Mount Sinai. The detective observed that Laurent entered the gas station’s convenience store wearing a ski mask, did not purchase anything, and then quickly exited.

When the detective approached Laurent, he observed a bulge in the defendant’s pants which appeared to be a firearm.

Laurent became combative and refused to keep his hands away from his waistband. The detective called for assistance, and when officers arrived, they attempted to conduct a frisk of Laurent for weapons, at which point he unsuccessfully attempted to flee.

After Laurent was placed in custody, the detective removed a defaced Glock handgun from the defendant’s groin area. Laurent was transported to the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Precinct, where upon being processed for the arrest, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

On April 18, 2024, Laurent was convicted after a jury trial, heard before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei, of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

Additionally, in 2010, Laurent was previously convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class D felony.

Laurent is due back in court for sentencing on May 21, 2024, and faces up to 15 years in prison. He is being represented by the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jennifer Wickers and Raquel Tisi of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detectives Thomas Daley and Christopher Sanchez of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Squad.

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

Erick Garcia Allegedly Shot and Killed 19-Year-Old Carlos Guillen

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 12 that Erick Garcia, 20, of Central Islip, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges, for allegedly fatally shooting Carlos Guillen, 19, of Bay Shore, during an attempted robbery in October 2022.

“Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners are relentless in their pursuit of solving homicide cases in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I would like to thank the detectives here for not giving up and making sure that no victim is overlooked.”

According to the investigation, on October 1, 2022, Garcia allegedly arranged to meet Guillen in a plan devised by Garcia to rob Guillen. When Guillen arrived at the meeting location, Garcia allegedly went into Guillen’s vehicle armed with a firearm and attempted to execute the robbery. Guillen then accelerated with Garcia still inside the vehicle, and Garcia allegedly then shot Guillen. Surveillance video captured Garcia exiting Guillen’s vehicle thereafter, while it was still in motion. Guillen attempted to call 911 but was unable to speak during the call and then crashed his vehicle. He was then transported to South Shore University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

On November 10, 2022, approximately one month after the shooting, Garcia was arrested in Central Islip on an unrelated case after police allegedly found him in possession of a 9 mm unserialized gun. Garcia was then indicted for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, and arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Justice Pilewski ordered Garcia to be placed on supervised release with GPS conditions during the pendency of that case, which is still pending. Garcia is due back in court for that case on May 3, 2024. The gun allegedly recovered from Garcia during the November 2022 arrest is not believed to be connected to the homicide.

Garcia was located by the Suffolk County Police Department on April 11, 2024, and placed under arrest for homicide. On April 12, 2024, Garcia was arraigned on the new indictment before Justice Pilewski, for the following charges:

 Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A felonies;
 One count of Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, a Class C violent felony; and
 One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony.

Justice Pilewski ordered Garcia to be remanded during the pendency of the case. Garcia is due back in court on May 31, 2024, and he is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

The homicide case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sheetal Shetty of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Repperger from the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad. The gun possession case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Matthew Laube of the Major Crime Bureau.