The incident occurred early Sunday, Nov. 3, in Islip.
Suffolk County Police responded to multiple 911 calls about vehicles blocking traffic on westbound Sunrise Service Road near Commack Road at around 1 a.m.
A Third Precinct officer arriving on the scene reportedly crashed into a pole while trying to avoid a pedestrian in the roadway.
After exiting his vehicle, the officer confronted the driver of a black Ford Mustang who had been seen driving recklessly.
When the officer managed to stop the car, a group reportedly approached him, with several people beginning to punch him.
The Mustang’s driver then fled, dragging the officer as he held onto the car door.
The driver, identified as Dennis Kaprov, age 21, of Brooklyn, later crashed into another vehicle at Commack Road and Wallace Street before fleeing on foot.
Following an investigation, Kaprov was arrested on Thursday, Nov. 7, and charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Assault,
- Reckless endangerment,
- Leaving the scene of an accident.
He will be arraigned on Friday, Nov. 8, at First District Court in Central Islip.
Police also arrested Jordy Yanzaguano, age 20, of Westbury, who allegedly performed donuts in a Chrysler 300M with a Hellcat emblem with spectators nearby during the takeover.
Yanzaguano, arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 6, was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and charged with:
- Reckless endangerment,
- Unlawful speed contests.
The officer was treated and released from a local hospital.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, District Attorney Ray Tierney, and Police Deputy Commissioner Kevin Catalina will hold a press conference on Friday to discuss the arrests and announce the formation of a new Street Takeover Task Force.
The ongoing investigation has involved the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, US Marshal’s Task Force, and various Suffolk County police units.
Detectives urge anyone with further information to contact the Third Squad at 631-854-8352 or Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
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