Sneaker thieves crash BMW into Wantagh SimplexNYC store; 2 teens arrested
A BMW crashed into the SimplexNYC store on Merrick Road early Monday and a large number of sneakers was stolen from the Wantagh apparel store, Nassau police said. Credit: Paul Mazza
Two teens were arrested and one police officer was taken to a hospital for treatment after a predawn burglary Monday at a Wantagh apparel store, Nassau County police said.
Police said they're looking for four other suspects.
Police said Seventh Precinct officers responding to a burglary in progress at 4:55 a.m. Monday found that a BMW had intentionally crashed through the glass storefront of SimplexNYC, a sneaker and apparel store located 3032 Merrick Rd. Six people were stealing assorted merchandise there, police said, before taking off in two BMWs as officers arrived.
Police said one of the fleeing vehicles struck a police patrol unit, injuring an officer.
The identity of that officer was not released, but police said the officer was treated at a hospital for neck and back pain.
About 20 minutes after the initial call, at 5:16 a.m., police said officers from the Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Team found one of the BMWs parked near the intersection of Little Neck Avenue and Coral Court in North Bellmore — two of the suspects were standing outside the vehicle.
The two fled on foot, but were soon arrested.
Police identified those suspects as Christopher Flores, 19, of Holbrook, and a 16-year-old boy.
Flores was charged with second-degree burglary and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, while the other teen, whose identity was not released, was charged with second-degree burglary and third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle.
The two are both scheduled for arraignment Tuesday in First District Court in Hempstead.
Police said the ongoing investigation determined the recovered BMW had been reported stolen from a home in Connecticut, but did not release a location. Police also said “multiple pairs of sneakers and clothing” were recovered from that BMW.
Police were still looking for the second BMW and four additional suspects Tuesday.
Two teens were arrested and one police officer was taken to a hospital for treatment after a predawn burglary Monday at a Wantagh apparel store, Nassau County police said.
Police said they're looking for four other suspects.
Police said Seventh Precinct officers responding to a burglary in progress at 4:55 a.m. Monday found that a BMW had intentionally crashed through the glass storefront of SimplexNYC, a sneaker and apparel store located 3032 Merrick Rd. Six people were stealing assorted merchandise there, police said, before taking off in two BMWs as officers arrived.
Police said one of the fleeing vehicles struck a police patrol unit, injuring an officer.
The identity of that officer was not released, but police said the officer was treated at a hospital for neck and back pain.
About 20 minutes after the initial call, at 5:16 a.m., police said officers from the Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Team found one of the BMWs parked near the intersection of Little Neck Avenue and Coral Court in North Bellmore — two of the suspects were standing outside the vehicle.
The two fled on foot, but were soon arrested.
Police identified those suspects as Christopher Flores, 19, of Holbrook, and a 16-year-old boy.
Flores was charged with second-degree burglary and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, while the other teen, whose identity was not released, was charged with second-degree burglary and third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle.
The two are both scheduled for arraignment Tuesday in First District Court in Hempstead.
Police said the ongoing investigation determined the recovered BMW had been reported stolen from a home in Connecticut, but did not release a location. Police also said “multiple pairs of sneakers and clothing” were recovered from that BMW.
Police were still looking for the second BMW and four additional suspects Tuesday.
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.”
