Two men arrested for criminal possession in West Hempstead

Nassau County police reported the arrest of two men May 20 at 1:45 p.m. in West Hempstead.

According to police, during an investigation from May 18 that involved a stolen 2019 gray colored Honda CRV, it was seen traveling southbound at the intersection of Laurel Avenue and Linden Avenue in Hempstead. The vehicle was being operated by a black male and a second black male was in the passenger seat. Police continued following the vehicle as they continued their investigation. At that time the suspect vehicle sped through multiple streets, struck a vehicle at the intersection of Woodfield Road and Chestnut Street in West Hempstead and ultimately struck a large curb resulting in the vehicle being severely damaged.

The two suspects ran from the scene northbound on Chestnut Street. With the assistance of the K-9 Unit, the two suspects were located hiding in a rear shed on Lewis Street in West Hempstead. After a short time, the two suspects were placed into custody.

Hempstead resident, Rashawn Cummings, 21, who drove the vehicle, and Laron Watts, 20, of Rockville Centre, the passenger, are both charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle third degree; criminal possession of stolen property third degree and criminal possession of stolen property fourth degree. Watts was also charged with false personation due to presenting himself to officers as someone else. Cummings and Watts were arraigned on May 21 in Mineola.

Courtesy NCPD; compiled by Nakeem Grant