Burglary suspect held on $1.2M bond

Police: Barnett cut holes in business roofs

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The Elmont man arrested in connection with a three-month-long spree of burglaries across the region was ordered held on a $1.2 million bond at his arraignment Wednesday.

Eric Barnett, 50, of Eureka Avenue in Elmont, was arrested Tuesday while trying to burglarize the Associated Supermarket, at 301 Jerusalem Ave. in Hempstead, early, according to police.

In court documents, Det. Ryan Hines, of the Nassau County Police, said Barnett was caught after he climbed over a fence into the supermarket’s rear yard with a backpack.

When officers made contact, Hines said, Barnett admitted to the crime and was arrested. He did not make off with any money or property from the supermarket.

Police alleged in court documents that Barnett entered multiple area businesses, including in Merrick, Elmont, Franklin Square, West Hempstead, Floral Park, Bellmore and Garden City.

During the alleged crime spree, which began in early July, according to police, Barnett on multiple occasions would cut holes in the roofs of businesses, including liquor stores and restaurants, in order to enter them.

Barnett’s total haul in the 12 burglaries he is accused of was nearly $6,000, according to court documents. At the Park Place Restaurant in Floral Park, police allege Barnett did not make off with any money, but did damage several surveillance cameras on the premises.

Barnett is accused of burglarizing the following establishments:

• Pat’s Farm, 1142 Merrick Ave., Merrick, July 8.

• ABC Farms, 1285 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont July 31.

• Galleria Pizzeria, 1339 Merrick Ave., Merrick, Aug. 9.

• Park Place Restaurant, 41 Covert Ave., Floral Park, Aug. 12.

• Wine Gallery, 270 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead, Aug. 16.

• Bagel on the Square, 529 Franklin Ave., Franklin Square, Aug. 16.

• Ralph’s Italian Ices, 531 Franklin Ave., Franklin Square, Aug. 16.

• International Café, 322 Bedford Ave., Bellmore, Sept. 19.

• Uncle Bacallas, 2370 Jericho Tpke., Garden City, Sept. 23.

• Alpine Restaurant, 11 Franklin Ave., Oct. 01.

• Gilbert’s Liquors, 1160 Merrick Ave., Merrick, Oct. 2.

According to Brendan Brosh, of the Nassau County District Attorney Office, Barnett had his bail set at $100,000 bond or $50,000 cash on each of the 12 third-degree burglary charges, for a total bond of $1.2 million or $600,000 cash.

Barnett is next scheduled in court for a Part Nine conference on Friday, Oct. 21.