Man charged after cursing outside day care center, trying to enter, police say

 A homeless man screamed obscenities at children and teachers outside a day care center Tuesday afternoon in Baldwin, then attempted to smash a window when the kids were ushered indoors, police said.

Kevin Johnson, 40, screamed at children and teachers outside the Learn and Play Center on Grand Avenue at about 2 p.m. Tuesday, police said. Once the children were brought to safety, he then "pulled the door and grabbed an orange construction cone and attempted to smash the front window of the center to gain entry," according to detective. He then fled, police said, when a teacher called 911.

Johnson was arrested a short time later, police said. He was charged with third-degree burglary and seven counts of endangering the welfare of a child. 

Johnson was arraigned Wednesday in First District Court in Hempstead. He was held on a bail of $10,000 bond or cash and is represented by Nassau County Legal Aid. His next appearance is July 8.

With Khristopher J. Brooks

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”