4th precinct Inspector Regina ran tonight’s meeting.
SCCPAAA President Kevin O’Hare, board members Jay Jost, Lauri Murphy, Robert Murphy and Rich Perez were in attendance
Tonight’s speaker was Detective James Pase of the Suffolk County Arson Squad who gave a presentation on the squad. It as a very interesting and informative presentation. We learned about the daily operation of the arson squad. Detective Pase described the degrees of arson, fire investigation and evidence collection.
At the conclusion of the presentation the Inspector reviewed with the residents the police activity in the precinct during the previous month.
Among the incidents discussed:
Based on an investigation that began with a crime stoppers tip Police executed a search warrant on Blythe Road in Ronkonkoma. A large quantity of drugs and weapons were recovered.
A special enforcement effort in April by the 4th precinct and highway patrol section resulted in 118 UTTs, 109 moving violations and 9 non-moving violations being issued.
3rd precinct officers made an arrest on May 14th for an assault of a 79 year old victim at Costco in Commack. Robert Whittaker was charged with assault 2nd degree.
Multiple incidents of antisemitism occurred in the precinct during the month of May.
It was determined that the same individual was responsible for all the incidents. The suspect was located at his residence and was evaluated by the mobile crisis team He was transported to Stony Brook CPEP for a mental health evaluation.
St. Catherine’s hospital presented the 4th precinct with a plaque of appreciation during police week.
Three commercial burglaries occurred in the precinct in May. Again police believe one individual is responsible for all of the break ins.
In response to community complaints a raid was conducted at Crystal Spa in Ronkonkoma. Two employees were arrested for unauthorized practice of a profession and prostitution. The Town of Islip closed the business.
Upon investigation by 4th squad detectives an arrest for public lewdness was made regarding an incident occurring on April 22nd.
Police conducted Operation Smokehouse in May which resulted in numerous violations and arrests.
Major case detectives arrested two individuals on May 30th for three attempted robberies of postal keys from U.S. Postal Workers on two residential blocks in Smithtown.
A fatal motor vehicle crash occurred on May 31st on Main Street just west of Terry Road in Smithtown. A motorcycle was eastbound on Main Street and apparently lost control.
An individual suffered gunshot wounds on May 31st in the parking lot of Jake’s 58 Casino. 4th squad detectives responded and are handling the investigation.
The next 4th Precinct community meeting will be held at the Commack branch of the Smithtown Library on September 3rd at 7PM.
Thanks to Robert Murphy for this report.
