Merrick man charged with marijuana possession

A Merrick man was one of 10 people arrested in New Cassel on Sunday, May 22, by Nassau County police in an incident involving marijuana possession and resisting arrest.

According to police, at 1:15 a.m., Wesley Garcia, 19, of Merrick, was one of five male defendants inside a gray 1994 Acura Integra on Fieldstone Street in New Cassel. Officers spotted the vehicle and say each defendant was observed in possession of marijuana.

While placing the defendants under arrest, police say that the front passenger of the vehicle yelled to a group of people to come to their assistance and prevent the arrest. Police say that the group did interfere with the investigation.

According to police, one of the defendants, John Vanegas, 20, of New Cassel, struck an officer with his fist, forcibly removed the officer’s shield and attempted to flee. He was placed under arrest with the assistance of another officer. Police subdued the defendants and placed them under arrest. One officer was treated for pain to his hand and body at a nearby hospital and released. No other injuries were reported.

Garcia was arrested and charged with criminal possession of marijuana. Vanegas was arrested and charged with criminal possession of marijuana, rioting, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, assault and robbery. Eight others were arrested under similar charges.

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