Six Crooks Loot Wantagh Apparel Store After Crashing Stolen BMW Through Front Doors; Two in Custody

LongIsland.com

Seventh Precinct Officers responded to a call of a Burglary in progress at the sneaker and apparel store Simplex, located at 3302 Merrick Road.

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Simplex in Wantagh. Photo Credit: Google Maps. Inset: Mug shot of suspect Christopher Flores, 19. Photo Credit: NCPD

The Seventh Squad reports on the arrest of two males for a Burglary that occurred on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 4:55 AM in Wantagh. 
 
According to Detectives, Seventh Precinct Officers responded to a call of a Burglary in progress at the sneaker and apparel store Simplex, located at 3302 Merrick Road. Upon arrival Officers observed that a BMW had crashed through the store front to allow the six subjects to gain access inside and remove store merchandise. 
 
The six subjects fled the scene in two BMWs upon Officers arrival. One of the BMWs hit a RMP in the process of fleeing, resulting in the Officer being transported to a nearby hospital for assessment and treatment.  
 
At approximately 5:16 PM, Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Team (CIRRT) Officers observed one of the fleeing BMWs parked near the intersection of Little Neck Avenue and Coral Court North Bellmore with two subjects standing outside who then fled on foot. 
 
Defendants Christopher Flores, 19 of 168 Holbrook Road, Holbrook and a 16-year-old male juvenile were both located a short time later and placed under arrest without further incident. 
 
Subsequent to the investigation, multiple pairs of sneakers and clothing were located in the BWM and the vehicle had been reported stolen from a residence in Connecticut. The other BMW with the remaining four subjects are still oustanding. The investigation is ongoing. 
 
Defendant Christopher Flores, 19, of 168 Holbrook Road, Holbrook is being charged with Burglary 2nd degree and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th degree. The 16-year-old male juvenile defendant is charged with Burglary 2nd degree and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle 3rd degree. Both defendants will be arraigned Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at First District Court, located at 99 Main Street, Hempstead.