Crime Watch

Arrest — Criminal Mischief

Fifth Squad detectives report the details of an arrest for criminal possession of a weapon that occurred in West Hempstead on Sunday, Jan. 23, at 5:15 a.m.

Detectives reported that a police officer with the Fifth Precinct observed an unoccupied vehicle with its engine running, lights on, music playing and door open outside a business located at 688 Woodfield Road. The officer asked a man inside the business whether he owned the vehicle. The man, Wilder V. Merlan, of Coventry Road in Lakeview, denied ownership.

During an investigation, police determined that Merlan operated the car under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. They also observed a black loaded handgun on the seat of the car.

While Merlan was being placed under arrest, he struggled with arresting officers, according to police.

Merlan was charged with three counts of criminal possession of a weapon, resisting arrest, driving while intoxicated, two counts of aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation and loud amplification system. He was scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Monday, Jan. 24.

Shooting — Request for Information

Detectives with the Nassau County Police Department’s Fifth Squad are investigating an assault that occurred on Saturday, Jan. 22, at 1 a.m. in Lakeview.

According to detectives, a 22-year-old man was standing on Woodfield Road across from Clinton Avenue waiting for a bus when three unknown subjects exited a car and approached him. One of the subjects pulled out a handgun and shot the victim in the right leg, and then all three got back in the car and fled north on Woodfield Road.

The victim was taken to an area hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The subjects were wearing dark clothing and had dark masks covering their faces. No further description was available as of press time.

Detectives ask anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous.