Cops: Man stole $2G in sports memorabilia

A Merrick man was arrested Thursday in the theft of more than $2,000 worth of sports memorabilia last month from a Westbury sports shop -- items police said he stole by stuffing into his cargo shorts.

Adam D. Gibson, 29, of 1682 St. Johns Ave., was arrested at his home, and charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, second-degree reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, reckless driving and multiple vehicle and traffic law violations.

Nassau County police said the traffic violations were issued because Gibson spotted detectives arriving at his home at 3:50 p.m. and led them on a brief high-speed pursuit.

The theft occurred at the A & S Sports store on Carman Avenue about 3 p.m., Friday, July 5, police said. It was then, police said, that a suspect entered the store, stuffed assorted sports memorabilia, including cards, into the pockets of his cargo shorts and fled.

Police said an investigation led detectives to Gibson. Police said Gibson was driving a 2011 Infiniti when he spotted the detectives outside his home Thursday and fled the scene "at a high rate of speed, failing to stop for multiple vehicle and traffic signs."

Gibson eluded the officers, police said, and the detectives went back to Gibson's house, arresting him when he returned. But not before police said Gibson resisted arrest by flailing his arms "in an attempt to avoid being handcuffed."

Gibson is scheduled for arraignment Friday in First District Court in Hempstead.

Police could not immediately say what specific items were stolen or if any were recovered.