Freeport man charged with unlawful imprisonment

A 20-year-old Freeport man was arrested and charged with unlawful imprisonment after, police said, he went to his girlfriend's workplace Tuesday in Westbury, pulled her from the building, pushed her into his car -- and drove off.

Jose Mejia of 224 N. Columbus Ave. was arrested on Old Country Road near Merchants Concourse in Westbury and charged with second-degree unlawful imprisonment and petty larceny. He was released on his own recognizance after being arraigned Wednesday in First District Court in Hempstead and given a March 14 court date. His girlfriend was issued an order of protection against him, a court official said.

Police said that Mejia went to his girlfriend's workplace on Post Avenue at 5:13 p.m., pulled her from the building and pushed her into the car.

The woman, whose identity was not released, was in the backseat when Mejia drove off, heading south on Post Avenue, police said. Police said the two had earlier been heard arguing on her cellphone.

Witnesses called police, who later stopped the car.