Accused Check Fraudster Escapes Police Custody Outside Long Island Walmart

An alleged check fraudster managed to slip away from police custody after being busted at a Long Island Walmart store.

Walmart on Old Country Road in Riverhead.
Photo Credit: *Google Maps street view*

05/14/2024 11:00 a.m.

Suffolk County Police were called to the Riverhead Walmart, located on Old Country Road, at around 9 p.m. Friday, May 10 for a man who was reportedly trying to cash a US Department of Treasury check with a fraudulent passport ID card.

When officers arrived, the suspect attempted to run away from the store but was apprehended and detained by police. However, a short time later he managed to slip into a waiting vehicle and flee the scene.

Following an investigation by Riverhead PD’s Detective Division, officers arrested 34-year-old Michael Richards, of Elmont, on suspicion of the following:

Identity theft (felony)
Criminal possession of a forged instrument (felony)
Obstructing governmental administration (misdemeanor)

Investigators asked anyone with information in the case to contact Riverhead Police at 631-727-4500.

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