Crime & Safety

Cops: Man Broke Into Car, Ran Down Officer at Whole Foods

Man stole electronics from car, attempted to flee after being confronted, police say.

A New Jersey man faces a battery of charges after he allegedly drove a car into a police officer after being confronted about a burglary.

Lui Lee, 48 of Matawan, New Jersey, had broken into a car in the Jericho Whole Foods parking lot at about 6 p.m. Thursday, police said. After shattering the rear window of the car, Lee took a laptop, a tablet computer, and a wallet, reported police. The 43-year-old victim returned and informed police that his car had been burglarized, cops said.

Responders reported that when they located Lee, he intentionally drove into one of the officers in a 2013 Ford Mustang and attempted to flee. The officer sustained injuries to both ankles. Lee was stopped by other responders, one of whom sustained lacerations to both hands as Lee violently struggled against being retrained, police reported. Lee was eventually restrained and arrested, cops said.

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Lee is charged with two counts of second degree assault, two counts of criminal mischief, fourth degree grand larceny, and possession of burglar's tools. He will be arraigned Friday at First District Court in Hempstead.

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The two officers were the only ones reported injured in the incident.

Police could not yet report where Lee was found and arrested.


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