Cops: Rockville Centre man arrested in break-in attempt

A Rockville Centre man was arrested Wednesday morning after he attempted to force his way into a house in the village, then used a gravity knife to try to steal a car on a nearby street, police said.

Leonard Griffin, 40, of 88 Ongley St., was arrested by Rockville Centre police officers at 12:47 a.m. and charged with second-degree attempted burglary, third-degree attempted grand larceny, fourth-degree possession of a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest.

He was scheduled for arraignment Wednesday in First District Court in Hempstead.

Nassau County police said Griffin first confronted a 27-year-old man outside the man's home on Merrick Road in Rockville Centre and "attempted to gain entry through the rear door" to the home.

But, police said, the homeowner was able to get inside and secure the house. Then he called 911.

When officers arrived, police said they saw Griffin using a gravity knife in an attempt to steal a car on Vincent Street. Griffin fled, but officers caught and arrested him on South Marion Place at Merrick Road, police said. The knife was recovered.

No one was injured.