Westbury, NY - April 27, 2017 - Suffolk County Police have arrested a man for stealing one vehicle and being in possession of two other stolen vehicles on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at approximately 12:20 p.m.
First Precinct Crime Section Officers Christopher Oddo and Matthew Skulavik initiated a traffic stop and pulled over James Reyes, who was driving a 2000 Mercedes-Benz, at 1115 Montauk Highway in Copiague at approximately 12:20 p.m. An investigation revealed the Mercedes was stolen on April 22 from Speedway, located at 800 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury, after it was left unattended with the keys in the ignition.
Further investigation revealed that Reyes was involved in stealing a 2003 Nissan Altima outside Valero, located at 1200 Wellwood Avenue in West Babylon, on April 20 at approximately 10:25 p.m., after the owner went into the gas station and left the vehicle running with the keys in the ignition.
Reyes was also in possession a 2004 Volvo SUV XC90 stolen from 7-Eleven, located at 864 Long Island Ave., Deer Park, on April 24 at approximately 8:40 p.m. after the victim went into the store and left the vehicle running with the keys in the ignition.
"What's important for the public to understand is that all of these motor vehicle thefts were incidents where the owner left the car running outside an establishment. These are crimes of opportunity," Police Commissioner Timothy D. Sini said. "This arrest is a great example of outstanding police work by Officers Oddo and Skulavik in the First Precinct and a reminder to residents to not leave their cars running outside commercial establishments. If you turn your car off and lock your car, you are substantially reducing your likelihood of being victimized."
Reyes, 38, of Bay Shore, was charged with Grand Larceny 4th Degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th Degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 3rd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Vehicle 2nd Degree.
The vehicles were impounded and the investigation is continuing.
Reyes will be held overnight at the First Precinct and was arraigned today at First District Court in Central Islip.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.