2 LIers may face attempted assault on cop charge

Two Long Island men may be charged with attempted assault on a police officer after they rammed two police cars and almost hit an officer in an attempt to escape from Nassau County narcotics detectives in Williston Park Thursday, police said.

Officers suspected the men of having just completed a drug transaction with a third man, who was also arrested, Nassau County Police said.

Acting on information, narcotics officers were parked in the vicinity of the Auto Spa Gas Station on Dartmouth Street and Willis Avenue at about 12:20 p.m., Nassau Det. Sgt. Anthony Repalone said.

"The undercover detectives observed two suspects exit a white Mercedes-Benz parked on Darmouth Street and meet up with an employee from the Auto Spa," Repalone said. "The detectives observed what appeared to be a drug transaction take place between the three individuals."

When the suspects got back into the vehicle, police in unmarked cars tried to box them in, Repalone said.

The suspects responded by ramming two unmarked police cars, he said. Police fired two shots at the vehicle, but the men were able to flee north on Willis Avenue. As additional police officers responded, the suspects turned on Coventry Avenue, jumped out of the car and ran on foot through several nearby yards.

Within moments, officers from the Third Precinct and bureau of operations found them hiding in neighborhood yards. The men were taken into custody without incident, Repalone said.

The third man at the gas station was immediately arrested, he said.

"A thorough search is being conducted by the police department in the event the subjects may have discarded firearms," Repalone said. He said the investigation is on going.

Repalone declined to identify the men or the type of drug allegedly involved in the transaction. No one was injured in the incident, he said.

The suspects from the vehicle could face several charges including assault on a police officer and reckless endangerment, Repalone said, adding the Auto Spa Gas Station is not under investigation and is considered a legitimate business.

Police were still trying to establish if the men were armed, Repalone said, and anyone who discovered any firearms in the area of the incident should call police.