Lynbrook police officer injured, 2 arrested in chase after bank scam

Police still searching for third suspect

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A Lynbrook village police officer was injured while trying to stop a robbery suspect from leaving the scene at Citibank on Merrick Road and Broadway on Wednesday. A man and a woman were arrested, and police said they are still searching for a third suspect.

According to Lynbrook Police Chief Joseph Neve, two men and a woman entered the bank and attempted to cash forged checks. Police swarmed the building after the bank teller sounded an alarm. After a struggle, they arrested Mikheal Grandison, 21, of Queens, and Jazzmene Turner, 22, of the Bronx.

After she resisted arrest, Turner was taken into custody outside of the bank. Grandison ran from the bank and into a nearby parked car. According to Neve, when Grandison put the car in reverse, he struck officer Salvatore Sedita with the door before driving away. Sedita suffered broken fingers as well as injuries to his arms and lower back, and was treated at South Nassau Communities Hospital.

According to Lynbrook police, Grandison headed south down Broadway and drove through red lights on Sunrise Highway before striking a parked police car that was occupied by Sgt. William Straub, who is being evaluated for injuries.

When Grandison attempted to make a left turn onto Scranton Avenue, he lost control and ran into a pole and gas pump at Ultra gas station, which is under construction. He was apprehended by police at the scene.

The identity of the third person is still unknown. Lynbrook Public Schools were in lock-out mode after the incident.

Grandison was charged with reckless driving, fourth-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree reckless endangerment, unlawful fleeing of a police officer, second-degree criminal mischief, and two counts of second-degree assault.

Turner was charged with possession of a forged instrument and two counts of resisting arrest.

Lynbrook Mayor Bill Hendrick praised the police for their swift action and said they are closing in on the identity of the third suspect.

“I was very proud of our policeman," Hendrick said. "They protect our citizens very well and I like the fact that when the rare occasion there’s a crime in Lynbrook, it gets publicized so other criminals know not to come to Lynbrook because they’re gonna get caught.”

Grandison and Turner were due to be arraigned Thursday morning at First District Court in Hempstead.