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Melville, NY

Long Island Restaurant Issued Violations For Illegally Operating Nightclub, Police Say Long Island Restaurant Issued Violations For Illegally Operating Nightclub, Police Say
Long Island Restaurant Issued Violations For Illegally Operating Nightclub, Police Say The State Liquor Authority cited a Long Island restaurant manager for violations for allegedly illegally operating a nightclub after receiving several complaints from the community. SLA inspectors and the Suffolk County Police visited Bijou Modern American Asian Restaurant in Melville on Thursday, April 25. During the inspection, police issued several summonses for SLA violations to the restaurant manager, Michael DeFrancesco, age 32, of Lynbrook.  A bag of cocaine was found on the floor of the establishment, Suffolk County Police said.  The Town of Huntington Fire Marshall…
Alert Issued For Long Island Man Missing 2 Days Alert Issued For Long Island Man Missing 2 Days
Alert Issued For Long Island Man Missing 2 Days Police are sounding the alarm over a Long Island man who has been missing for two days. Brandon Ragusa, age 29, was last seen at around 7 p.m. Sunday, April 21, in the hamlet of Melville on Elderwood Lane. Suffolk County Police said he is considered a vulnerable adult who suffers from schizophrenia and is believed to be suicidal. He may have traveled to the Queens area. Ragusa wears glasses and was last seen donning a gray sweatshirt, collared shirt, jeans, and black sneakers. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Suffolk County Police Department at 631-854-8218 or call 911. …
'Best Rendition' Of Breakfast Burrito Found At These Long Island Eateries, Foodies Say 'Best Rendition' Of Breakfast Burrito Found At These Long Island Eateries, Foodies Say
'Best Rendition' Of Breakfast Burrito Found At These Long Island Eateries, Foodies Say Often packed with eggs, potatoes, meat, and cheese, nothing screams meal-on-the-go quite like a hearty breakfast burrito. But where can one find the best wrapped-up-tight breakfast on Long Island? Some Redditors think they know. “Looking for Long Island’s best rendition of a breakfast burrito,” one user posted on the LongIslandEats subReddit on Monday, April 1. Their recent selections have proven “average but forgettable," they added. Their fellow foodies heeded the call. Of the dozens of suggestions in the comments, two eateries garnered the most upvotes: Roast Sandwich House, with locat…
Teen Nabbed For Performing Stunts In His Car In Front Of Crowd On Long Island, Police Say Teen Nabbed For Performing Stunts In His Car In Front Of Crowd On Long Island, Police Say
Teen Nabbed For Performing Stunts In His Car In Front Of Crowd On Long Island, Police Say A Long Island man has been charged after police say he performed stunts in his car before a crowd in broad daylight. In response to numerous community complaints, Suffolk County Police First Precinct Crime Section officers were monitoring several areas for unlawful street gatherings when they observed a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria doing donuts for a crowd in the Melville area at around 3:20 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. Michael Doner, age 18, of Oakdale, was charged with: Unlawful stunt behavior in a motor vehicle, Two counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument. The Ford w…
24-Year-Old Nabbed For Performing Stunts With BMW On Long Island, Police Say 24-Year-Old Nabbed For Performing Stunts With BMW On Long Island, Police Say
24-Year-Old Nabbed For Performing Stunts With BMW On Long Island, Police Say A man has been charged after police say he unlawfully performed stunts in public with a car on Long Island. In response to numerous community complaints, Suffolk County Police First Precinct Crime Section officers were monitoring several areas for unlawful street gatherings when they came upon a large group of vehicles in Melville at around 10:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. Officers observed Asad Zulfiqar, age 24, of Brooklyn, performing donuts as he drove a 2024 BMW M3 Competition among several other vehicles while numerous pedestrians watched, police said. Zulfiqar was arrest…
6 Employees Busted Selling Vapes To Minors At Long Island Businesses, Police Say 6 Employees Busted Selling Vapes To Minors At Long Island Businesses, Police Say
6 Employees Busted Selling Vapes To Minors At Long Island Businesses, Police Say Six employees are facing charges after allegedly selling vape products to customers under the age of 21 at Long Island businesses. All six employees were arrested during compliance checks that were conducted at several Suffolk County businesses on Tuesday, Feb. 6, according to police. Of the 10 businesses checked, the following employees were allegedly caught selling e-nicotine products to minors: Alexis Granades, age 22, of Huntington Station; an employee at Its Lit Smoke Shop on New York Avenue in Huntington Brandon Ireland, age 20, of Melville; an employee at Huntington Village Vapes o…
Man Killed In Overnight Fire At Long Island Home Man Killed In Overnight Fire At Long Island Home
Man Killed In Overnight Fire At Long Island Home A man has been found dead hours after a fire tore through a Long Island home. Firefighters were called at around 4:40 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, for a fire at a Melville house located on Wilmington Drive near Westbourne Lane. Nearly 100 firefighters from multiple departments spent two hours working to get the fire under control, officials said. Flames eventually spread to much of the home, causing its roof to collapse. The blaze was deemed under control by 6:30 a.m. Crews spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon using excavators to search the debris for any victims. Shortly after 1…
'Best Foodie Spot' Found At This Long Island Restaurant, Online Reviewers Say 'Best Foodie Spot' Found At This Long Island Restaurant, Online Reviewers Say
'Best Foodie Spot' Found At This Long Island Restaurant, Online Reviewers Say If you’re looking for a meal to remember, don’t miss this Long Island hotspot. Maroni Cuisine, located in Northport at 18 Woodbine Avenue, garnered the most recommendations in a post on the Long Island Restaurant Group Facebook page asking where to find the “best foodie spot on Long Island.” “I’m thinking tasting menu or unique experience,” Patty Ann, of Babylon, said in her post Saturday, Dec. 16. Nearly 150 of her fellow foodies came to Ann’s aid, offering up their favorite Long Island dining spots serving up that something extra. Of course, there were a few wisecrackers in the comment…
'Beautiful, Joyful Soul': New Mom, Dance Teacher From Long Island Dies At Age 35 'Beautiful, Joyful Soul': New Mom, Dance Teacher From Long Island Dies At Age 35
'Beautiful, Joyful Soul': New Mom, Dance Teacher From Long Island Dies At Age 35 Tributes are pouring in following the unexpected death of a beloved dance instructor, wife, and new mother from Long Island. Andrea Kolbe, of Huntington, died Monday, Dec. 11, one day after her 35th birthday, according to her obituary. Her death followed a battle with postpartum depression, leaving her husband Chazz and their 3-month-old son to grapple with her immense loss, said a GoFundMe by Heather Umhafer. Kolbe was known in the community as a co-owner and dance instructor at Art In Motion Dance Center of Melville and Commack, where she spent 14 years. “Our hearts are broken as we sad…
Still No Suspect After LIE Hit-Run Crash Killing 'Loving, Goofy' Husband, Father Still No Suspect After LIE Hit-Run Crash Killing 'Loving, Goofy' Husband, Father
Still No Suspect After LIE Hit-Run Crash Killing 'Loving, Goofy' Husband, Father It’s been a year since a beloved husband and father was killed in a hit-and-run crash on the Long Island Expressway, and police still have no suspects. Robert Twiford, age 61, of Melville, died Dec. 5, 2022, after being struck on the off-ramp of eastbound I-495 at exit 60 in Ronkonkoma. Suffolk County Police said Twiford was lying in the roadway at around 8 p.m when he was struck by at least one vehicle, which fled the scene. Earlier Report: Melville Man Killed In Hit-Run Crash On Long Island Expressway In Ronkonkoma He was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital where he died fro…
Winning $1M Mega Millions Ticket Sold At Long Island Convenience Store Winning $1M Mega Millions Ticket Sold At Long Island Convenience Store
Winning $1M Mega Millions Ticket Sold At Long Island Convenience Store A winning lottery ticket worth $1 million was sold at a Long Island convenience store. The second prize-winning Mega Millions ticket from the drawing on Tuesday, Aug. 1, was purchased in Melville, at the 7-Eleven located at 613 Broadhollow Road, New York Lottery announced. Tuesday’s winning numbers were 8-24-30-45-61 and the Mega Ball is 12. Nobody won the top jackpot, which is now estimated at $1.25 billion. The next drawing will be held Friday, Aug. 4, at 11 p.m. ET. 
'Excellent Food, Drinks': New Restaurant Deemed 'Welcome Addition' To Long Island 'Excellent Food, Drinks': New Restaurant Deemed 'Welcome Addition' To Long Island
'Excellent Food, Drinks': New Restaurant Deemed 'Welcome Addition' To Long Island A new restaurant and cocktail bar on Long Island is making a splash weeks after opening. Birdie Bar, located in Northport at 688 Fort Salonga Road, held its grand opening on Monday, April 24, in the space formerly occupied by Seven Quarts Tavern. Under the direction of Chef Antonio Guillen, the eatery serves up an array of tantalizing entrees and cocktails “crafted with purpose,” according to its Facebook page. Among the menu options is the French dip sandwich, made with prime rib, caramelized onion, gruyere, pickled jalapeno, au jus, and fries. Diners can also opt for the 28-ounce bone…
Charity Prez Admits Defrauding Long Island Businesses Out Of Thousands Charity Prez Admits Defrauding Long Island Businesses Out Of Thousands
Charity Prez Admits Defrauding Long Island Businesses Out Of Thousands The president of a local autism charity is now a convicted felon after admitting that he defrauded Long Island businesses out of thousands of dollars. Gregory Vasicek, age 60, of Queens, pleaded guilty to a charge of scheme to defraud in Suffolk County Court on Friday, May 12. According to the Suffolk County DA’s Office, between April and May 2022, Vasicek wrote numerous checks from the bank account of his charity, Play4Autism, knowing that the organization did not have the funds to pay for the services and property being purchased. Among the companies that fell victim to his scheme were a…
Suspected Long Island Bank Robber Sought By Police Suspected Long Island Bank Robber Sought By Police
Suspected Long Island Bank Robber Sought By Police A man who attempted to rob a bank, and later that day successfully robbed another, is being searched for by police, according to authorities. Both incidents occurred on Friday, May 12. Suffolk County police reported that at 9:42 a.m., a man between the ages of 25 and 30 attempted to rob the East Farmingdale Bethpage Federal Credit Union, located at 1033 Route 109. The would-be robber allegedly passed a note to a bank teller demanding money, but the teller did not comply and the man fled on foot. However, about 20 minutes later, the man entered a Melville Bethpage Federal Credit Union, …
Trio Steals Over $1,000 In Merchandise From LI Store, Police Say Trio Steals Over $1,000 In Merchandise From LI Store, Police Say
Trio Steals Over $1,000 In Merchandise From LI Store, Police Say Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying and locating three thieves who stole from a sporting goods store on Long Island. Two men and a woman were spotted stealing $1,865 worth of clothes from the Melville DICK’S Sporting Goods on March 11, according to Suffolk County Police. Authorities said the trio left the scene in a white SUV. Have you seen this car? Police say the shoplifters left the scene in this white SUV.Suffolk County Police Department The Suffolk County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for information that can lead to the thieves’ arrests. An…
Prostitution Busts: 2 Women Charged After Separate Raids At Long Island Massage Parlors Prostitution Busts: 2 Women Charged After Separate Raids At Long Island Massage Parlors
Prostitution Busts: 2 Women Charged After Separate Raids At Long Island Massage Parlors Two women have been charged with prostitution after separate raids at a pair of Long Island massage parlors. The first raid happened around 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 11 in Port Jefferson Station In response to community complaints, authorities conducted an investigation into an unnamed spa located at 10 Medical Drive, Suite D. Following an investigation, Shidi Zhang, age 37, of Flushing, Queens, was arrested and charged with unauthorized practice of a profession, a felony.  Zhang was released on a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District …
$5K Fast Cash Reward Offered In Deadly Hit-Run Long Island Expressway Crash $5K Fast Cash Reward Offered In Deadly Hit-Run Long Island Expressway Crash
$5K Fast Cash Reward Offered In Deadly Hit-Run Long Island Expressway Crash Suffolk County Police and Crime Stoppers are offering a $5,000 "fast cash" reward that leads to an arrest in a deadly hit-and-run crash that killed an area man. The incident took place in Suffolk County around 8 p.m., Dec. 5, 2022, on the Long Island Expressway in Ronkonkoma. A fast cash reward of up to $5,000 is now being offered for information that leads to an arrest. The reward will be issued within seven days of an arrest, Crime Stoppers said. The crash took place when Robert Twiford, age 61, of Melville, parked his vehicle on the off-ramp of eastbound Long Island Expressway at Exit …
New Bed Bath & Beyond Closures Include 5 Nassau County Stores New Bed Bath & Beyond Closures Include 5 Nassau County Stores
New Bed Bath & Beyond Closures Include 5 Nassau County Stores Nearly two dozen New York locations are among a new round of scheduled closures announced by struggling home goods retailer Bed Bath & Beyond. Another 87 stores are due to close in 2023, the company announced this week, including 23 locations in New York. That brings the total number of Bed Bath & Beyond locations scheduled to close to at least 162 announced since September 2022. A spokesperson told Axios that the latest round of closures will include all of the company's Harmon beauty shops, as well as five Buy Buy Baby locations. “This store fleet reduction expands the compan…
Fatal LI Expressway Crash: ID Released For Man Struck By 2 Vehicles After Exiting Ford F-150 Fatal LI Expressway Crash: ID Released For Man Struck By 2 Vehicles After Exiting Ford F-150
Fatal LI Expressway Crash: ID Released For Man Struck By 2 Vehicles After Exiting Ford F-150 The identity has been released of a man who was killed after being struck by two separate vehicles when he stepped out of his pickup truck parked on the shoulder of the Long Island Expressway.  The incident happened just after 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22 in Melville. A man was driving a 2018 Ford F-150 on the westbound side when he pulled to the side of the road and exited the vehicle, Suffolk County Police said. He then walked into the middle lane of the highway just west of Exit 50 and was struck by a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu being operated by a 40-year-old Franklin Square ma…
Fatal Long Island Expressway Crash: Man Struck By 2 Vehicles After Exiting Pickup Truck Fatal Long Island Expressway Crash: Man Struck By 2 Vehicles After Exiting Pickup Truck
Fatal Long Island Expressway Crash: Man Struck By 2 Vehicles After Exiting Pickup Truck Updated story - Fatal LIE Crash: ID Released For Selden Man Hit By 2 Vehicles After Exiting F-150 In Melville A man who stepped out of his pickup truck parked on the shoulder of the Long Island Expressway was killed after being struck by two separate vehicles. The incident happened just after 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22 in Melville. A man was driving a 2018 Ford F-150 on the westbound side when he pulled to the side of the road and exited the vehicle, Suffolk County Police said. He then walked into the middle lane of the highway just west of Exit 50 and was struck by a 201…
Broker Sentenced In LI ‘Boiler Room’ Scheme That Defrauded Elderly Out Of Millions Broker Sentenced In LI ‘Boiler Room’ Scheme That Defrauded Elderly Out Of Millions
Broker Sentenced In LI ‘Boiler Room’ Scheme That Defrauded Elderly Out Of Millions A former stockbroker is heading to federal prison for his role in a massive fraud scheme based on Long Island that swindled elderly victims out of millions of dollars. Lawrence Isen, age 69, of California, was sentenced to five years behind bars in federal court in Central Islip Friday, Jan. 6. Earlier Report: Former Broker Sentenced In LI 'Boiler Room' Fraud Scheme That Cost Elderly Victims Millions It followed his March 2020 jury conviction on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering. Federal prosecut…
Long Island Man Kept Dog In 'Putrid' Cage For 10 Days Straight, Officials Say Long Island Man Kept Dog In 'Putrid' Cage For 10 Days Straight, Officials Say
Long Island Man Kept Dog In 'Putrid' Cage For 10 Days Straight, Officials Say A man is facing animal cruelty charges after allegedly keeping a dog in a filthy cage for 10 days straight, officials said.  Suffolk County resident Peter Miller, age 57, of Melville, kept his male bull terrier “Buster” in a cage with "deplorable" conditions without taking the animal out of the cage or cleaning it at all for 10 days, according to an announcement by the Suffolk County Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals from Friday, Dec. 30.  The cage that Buster was kept in was found to have a "putrid smell of rotting food, ammonia and urine," in addition to…
Mortgage Lender Lays Off 119 Long Island Employees, State Filing Reports Mortgage Lender Lays Off 119 Long Island Employees, State Filing Reports
Mortgage Lender Lays Off 119 Long Island Employees, State Filing Reports A national reverse mortgage lender has laid off more than 100 of its Long Island employees, according to a state filing. Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC laid off 119 employees from its Melville branch on Tuesday, Nov. 29, according to a WARN Notice posted on Friday, Dec. 9. The reason for the layoffs was listed as "economic" in the filing. According to Reverse Mortgage Daily, the company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and more than 470 employees were laid off across the company in November. A representative for Reverse Mortgage Funding said the organization will not comment o…
Man Killed In Hit-Run Crash On Long Island Expressway Man Killed In Hit-Run Crash On Long Island Expressway
Man Killed In Hit-Run Crash On Long Island Expressway A man who was lying in the roadway off-ramp of the Long Island Expressway was killed by a hit-and-run driver. The incident took place in Ronkonkoma around 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 5. Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit detectives report the man, identified as Robert Twiford, age 61, of Melville, was lying in the roadway of the LIE Exit 60E off-ramp when he was struck by at least one vehicle, which then fled the scene. Twiford was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call Majo…
Police Seek Man Accused Of Stealing Gold Chain Valued At $1.5K From Long Island Store Police Seek Man Accused Of Stealing Gold Chain Valued At $1.5K From Long Island Store
Police Seek Man Accused Of Stealing Gold Chain Valued At $1.5K From Long Island Store Authorities asked the public for help identifying a man who is accused of stealing a gold chain valued at $1,500 from a Long Island store. A man requested to see several pieces of jewelry at Whitman Jewelry & Coins in Melville at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, and stole a Figaro gold chain, Suffolk County Crime Stoppers reported on Wednesday, Nov. 30. He left the store, located at 552 Walt Whitman Road, and traveled south on Route 110, authorities said. Suffolk County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest.  Tips can be submitt…
Former Broker Sentenced In LI 'Boiler Room' Fraud Scheme That Cost Elderly Victims Millions Former Broker Sentenced In LI 'Boiler Room' Fraud Scheme That Cost Elderly Victims Millions
Former Broker Sentenced In LI 'Boiler Room' Fraud Scheme That Cost Elderly Victims Millions A former stockbroker is heading to federal prison for his role in a massive fraud scheme based on Long Island that swindled elderly victims out of millions of dollars. Jeffrey Chartier, age 59, of Florida, was sentenced to 10 years behind bars in federal court in Central Islip Thursday, Dec. 1. It followed his March 2020 jury conviction on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering. Federal prosecutors said between 2014 and 2016, Chartier and others worked with a Melville-based “boiler room” to artificially infla…
LI Man Sentenced After Months-Long Investigation Into Child Pornography, Coercion Crimes LI Man Sentenced After Months-Long Investigation Into Child Pornography, Coercion Crimes
LI Man Sentenced After Months-Long Investigation Into Child Pornography, Coercion Crimes A Long Island man was sentenced after a months-long investigation into child pornography and coercion crimes. Bradley Garyn, age 29, of Melville, was sentenced on Monday, Nov. 21, to an indeterminate prison term of five to 15 years, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced. “This defendant exploited numerous young and impressionable teenagers in order to satisfy his own prurient and repugnant desires,” Tierney said. “The actions by this defendant will not be tolerated in Suffolk County, and the term of imprisonment he will serve for these crimes, as well as the o…
Hit-Run Crash Seriously Injures Long Island Bicyclist, Police Say Hit-Run Crash Seriously Injures Long Island Bicyclist, Police Say
Hit-Run Crash Seriously Injures Long Island Bicyclist, Police Say Police on Long Island are investigating a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a bicyclist. The crash took place in Melville around 2:55 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 in Melville on Route 110. According to Suffolk County Police, a 27-year-old Huntington Station man was riding a bicycle southbound in the right lane of Route 110, approaching Hazel Court, when a southbound vehicle struck the rear of the bicycle. The vehicle fled the scene, police said. The victim was transported to Huntington Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Detectives are asking anyone with informa…
Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In 10 Long Island Communities Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In 10 Long Island Communities
Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In 10 Long Island Communities Mosquito samples collected from 10 Long Island communities tested positive for West Nile virus, health officials announced. Eight of the 47 mosquito samples collected on Thursday, Sept. 8, and Friday, Sept. 9, tested positive for the virus, which brings the total for the season to 85, the Suffolk County Department of Health announced on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Health officials said the positive samples from Sept. 8 and Sept. 9 were collected in the following communities: West Babylon Copiague Rocky Point Aquebogue Shelter Island Islip Dix Hills  Huntington The health department also repor…
SPCA Investigates Animal Sacrifice After Decapitated Goats, Chickens Found On Long Island SPCA Investigates Animal Sacrifice After Decapitated Goats, Chickens Found On Long Island
SPCA Investigates Animal Sacrifice After Decapitated Goats, Chickens Found On Long Island An animal sacrifice investigation is underway after the remains of five decapitated chickens and two decapitated goats were found on the side of a Long Island road. The Suffolk County SPCA received an alert from the Suffolk County Police Department on Sunday, Sept. 11, that dead animals were found in black plastic garbage bags in Melville, the SPCA reported. The remains were found on the side of Round Swamp Road about 100 feet south of Exit 39 of the Northern State Parkway, according to the report. Fruits and vegetables were also found at the location, authorities said. Suffolk County SPC…
52-Year-Old Killed In Single-Vehicle Crash That Caused Long Island Expressway Closure 52-Year-Old Killed In Single-Vehicle Crash That Caused Long Island Expressway Closure
52-Year-Old Killed In Single-Vehicle Crash That Caused Long Island Expressway Closure Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that caused the closure of a stretch of the Long Island Expressway. It happened around 4:40 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7 in Melville. James Dawson, age 52, of the Bronx, was driving a Ford E350 van westbound, just west of Exit 49, when his vehicle struck the center median, Suffolk County Police said. Dawson was transported to Plainview Hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to police. Detectives believe Dawson suffered a medical event prior to the crash. The westbound lanes were closed for around two hours following th…