Man charged in Freeport, Baldwin burglaries

A man arrested during a traffic stop Monday in Freeport was charged in connection with two burglaries last month in Freeport and Baldwin, Nassau County police said.

Police said Joel Mauzoul, 22, of Randall Avenue, was arrested by Freeport police at about 3:30 p.m. Monday.

Police said officers recovered a gravity knife from Mauzoul's pants pocket and a loaded .38-caliber revolver was discovered during a search of the vehicle he was driving.

A passenger in the car, Marquis Byrd, 21, of Harrison Avenue, Freeport, also was arrested, according to police. He was charged with second- and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

It was not clear why Mauzoul was pulled over.

Police said Mauzoul burglarized homes in Freeport and Baldwin on Sept. 16 and Sept. 22, gaining access through rear and side windows. He stole a laptop computer and other electronic equipment, jewelry, a designer handbag and electronic games, police said.

Mauzoul was charged with three counts of second-degree burglary, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Mauzoul and Byrd are scheduled for arraignment Tuesday in First District Court in Hempstead, police said.