Village man attempts break in and car theft

Nassau County First Squad detectives arrested a Rockville Centre man, Leonard Griffin, 40, of Ongley Street after he allegedly confronted a 27-year-old man on the side of his Merrick Road home during an attempt to get into the house through the back door.

According to police, the victim was able to secure the door and call 911. When Rockville Centre police officers arrived, they say they saw Griffin, using a gravity knife, trying to steal a car on Vincent Street. Police say Griffin ran off when the officers approached and after a short chase and a brief struggle, he was arrested on S. Marion Place at Merrick Road. The knife was recovered.

Griffin was charged with burglary, grand larceny, possession of a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest. He was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Jan. 20.