Riverhead man charged with attempted burglary at Center Moriches church while preschool in session

A Riverhead man was arrested after police said he tried to burglarize a Center Moriches church Tuesday, kicking a door and causing two employees and 19 preschool students to shelter in place until responding officers arrived.

Suffolk County Police arrested Daniel Fanuele, 30, in Mastic about two hours after the incident, charging him with third-degree attempted burglary and criminal mischief.

He was held overnight by police and was scheduled for arraignment Wednesday in First District Court in Central Islip.

Police said preschool classes were in session at the Presbyterian Church of the Moriches on Railroad Avenue when Fanuele attempted to kick down the door of the church building — only to be confronted by an employee of the Gentle Hearts Preschool at about 12:50 p.m. Tuesday.

Fanuele fled the scene on foot. But, police said, employees elected to have the preschoolers shelter in place until officers arrived.

There were no reported injuries as a result of the incident.

Following an investigation Seventh Precinct patrol officers located Fanuele at the intersection of Coventry Avenue and Mastic Road in nearby Mastic — and arrested him at 2:41 p.m.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Seventh Squad detectives at 631-852-8752.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a Newsday reporter since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press, Society of the Silurians and National Headliner Awards for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing. He is the author of “Swee'pea,” about New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. His debut crime novel, “For Nothing Is Hidden,” rooted in 1950s Long Island, was released in October 2025.