Three officers injured in Lawrence shoplifting arrest

Three 4th Precinct police officers were injured when arresting a Far Rockaway man who allegedly shoplifted several items from the Radio Shack at 25301 Rockaway Turnpike in Lawrence on Dec. 28, police said.

The officers responded to the store at 6:31 p.m., and as they approached Walter Howard, 30, of Beach Channel Drive, to arrest him, Howard hit one officer multiple times about the face and head and threw him to the ground.

When another officer attempted to intervene, Howard fled on foot and the officers chased him on Rockaway Turnpike. That officer fell and injured his right hand. Another struggle ensued and another officer also hurt his hand. All three were taken to a local hospital where they were treated and released.

Howard was charged with three counts of assault-second degree, petit larceny and resisting arrest. He will be arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Dec. 29.