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An Uber driver in Commack left the motor running in his 2012 Honda Accord in the parking lot of a shopping center at 88 Veterans Memorial Highway as he was picking up a food order to be delivered, Suffolk County Police said.
A man got into the vehicle while it was unattended. and drove away.
The vehicle crashed into a curb and a fire hydrant a short distance away.
The man exited the vehicle and fled on foot into a heavily wooded area.
A Suffolk County PD Canine Unit officer and his dog located the man lying down in the woods. He was placed under arrest.
Joseph Ellis, age 45, who police say is homeless, was charged with two counts of grand larceny.
Patrol officers determined that Ellis was impaired and charged him with driving while intoxicated and nine outstanding warrants.
He was held overnight and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Monday, Oct. 14.
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