State Police arrest car thief after Loop Parkway crash, fire

Authorities investigating a fire off the Loop Parkway involving a stolen car early Saturday arrested the suspected thief as he was fleeing the scene on foot, State Police officials said.

The man drove the Chevrolet Aveo off the parkway south of Freeport at about 3 a.m., crashing into some small trees and brush and setting the car on fire, police said.

Point Lookout firefighters responded and snuffed out the blaze, police said.

Investigators found Ramon Cairo, 30, of Queens Village, walking from the scene along the parkway, police said. After interviewing him, it was determined he was impaired by drugs.

According to police, Cairo admitted that he stole the car from the parking lot of the Northwell Health headquarters in Lake Success.

Cairo was arrested and charged with driving while impaired, grand larceny and possession of stolen property.

He was scheduled to be arraigned in Nassau County District Court on Sunday, authorities said. It was unknown if Cairo had an attorney.