Two charged in attempted robbery of car with Nassau detectives inside, cops say

Two men were arrested and charged with attempted robbery Monday night in East Meadow after approaching a vehicle from each side, apparently unaware two on-duty detectives were inside, Nassau County police said.

The incident occurred about 8:35 p.m. in front of the Coliseum Motor Inn, at 1650 Hempstead Tpke., police said Wednesday in a statement. That’s where two detectives were parked in an unmarked vehicle while on duty on a drug enforcement assignment, cops said.

The detectives saw the suspects approach the vehicle from each side, while one of them put on a white ski mask, police said. The officers "feared for their life" and got out of the vehicle and "displayed their police shield ordering both defendants to stop," police said.

The suspects were identified as Jordan Hernandez, 18, of Uniondale, and Jose Pineda, 18, of Hempstead, officials said. Hernandez, approached the vehicle from the passenger side while putting on the mask, police said. Pineda approached from the driver’s side and had a "large bulge in his sweatshirt pocket," officials said.

Cops said Pineda had a black and silver imitation handgun and a kitchen knife.

Pineda’s attorney, Adam Neal, whose office is in Mineola, declined to comment because he said he had not had enough time to properly review it.

Police said they were arraigned Tuesday in First District Court in Hempstead but information was not available on the outcome.