Third Squad Detectives report the arrest of a Manhattan man for an incident that occurred in Searingtown.

 

According to detectives, the homeowner of a Birch Drive residence was alerted on his cell phone to motion being detected in his rear yard. Upon looking at a live video feed, the homeowner observed an unknown male attempting to cover the video camera with an inflatable toy. The homeowner then contacted police who responded to the scene, finding the rear yard to be unoccupied with no apparent entry into the home.

 

Additional police officers, while canvassing the area, observed a suspicious vehicle that they attempted to stop. The driver of that vehicle, Peter Lee, 62, of Manhattan, refused to pull over and eluded police who were able to obtain the vehicles license plate number.  While fleeing, Lee threw a backpack from his car that was found to contain a crowbar, various tools, binoculars, gloves, and a hat.

 

A subsequent investigation by detectives, led them to the identity and location of Lee who was placed under arrest in the vicinity of his Jane Street home. 

 

Lee is charged with Attempted Burglary 2nd Degree, Unlawful Fleeing of a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd Degree, Possession of Burglar Tools, Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree. He was arraigned at First District Court, Hempstead.

 

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.