Freeport man arrested in Oceanside store

According to police, Marcus Raiford, of Freeport, entered Pet Supplies Plus, located at 3644 Long Beach Road in Oceanside, on Aug. 26 and allegedly purchased merchandise with two counterfeit $20 bills and then left the store.

At that time, an inter-office email was sent to Pet Supplies Plus stores alerting employees of the incident. On Aug. 28, Raiford entered the Pet Supplies Plus store located in Valley Stream and allegedly attempted to return the times, but was told to return them to the original store he purchased them from. The manager of the Oceanside store was notified that a man fitting the description of the emailed alert was attempting to return merchandise and notified the police.

At about 3:30 p.m., the defendant entered the Oceanside store and allegedly attempted to return the merchandise. Police responded to the scene, approached Raiford, told him he was under arrest and told him to place his hands behind his back. Police say Raiford refused to comply and began swinging his arms, pushed the officers and ran for the exit. The officer was able to gain control and handcuff Raiford, but sustained an injury to his finger and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

No other injuries were reported.

Raiford was charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, resisting arrest and second degree assault. He was arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Aug. 29.