Man charged in Selden, Centereach robberies

Alleged possession of a hypodermic needle got a Selden man in more hot water than he bargained for Tuesday as Suffolk County police charged him with a month-long string of commercial burglaries in Selden and Centereach.

Police said Wakendo Heath, 21, of Ferndale Avenue, was arrested on New Lane in Selden after Sixth Precinct Crime Section officer Thomas Pryor thought he fit the description of a suspect wanted in connection with a dozen burglaries dating to Aug. 8.

The officer found Heath had a hypodermic needle and arrested him, police said.

Police said that after "a thorough investigation," they linked Heath to the burglaries and charged him with 12 counts of third-degree burglary and one count of third-degree attempted burglary.

He also was charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument, police said.

Heath is scheduled for arraignment Wednesday in First District Court in Central Islip.