Long Beach police nab vandalism suspect

Following a rash of vandalism at a Long Beach apartment complex that had tenants on edge for months, police arrested a 50-year-old resident of the building after he allegedly caused thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Police Commissioner Thomas Sofield Sr. said that Jeffrey Navarre, a tenant at the Crystal House Apartments on 630 Shore Road, committed numerous acts of criminal mischief at the apartment complex, where he caused roughly $13,000 worth of damage. Police said Navarre allegedly poured cans of various building materials such as asphalt coating tar and roofing sealant throughout the interior lobby area and on floors, stairways, carpets, as well as the awning and the façade of the building.

Police said the incidents occurred between November 2010 and March.

“The investigation was intensive and assiduous. A tremendous amount of investigative work was required, utilizing technological and investigative methods,” Detective Lt. James Canner, commanding officer of the Detective Division, said in a statement. “The damage to the premise was extensive, estimated at approximately thirteen thousand dollars.”

For months, tenants said they were taken aback by the incidents, which they said occurred frequently. A building manager could not be reached for comment on Friday.

Navarre was arrested on April 5 and charged with two counts of second-degree criminal mischief, which are D felonies. He was arraigned in Long Beach City Court before Judge Roy Tepper and remanded to the Nassau County Correctional Facility.