Crimes Nearby: Drug Transaction, Grand Larceny

Editor's Note: One or more names in this report have been redacted in light of additional documentation provided regarding this case.

Garden City Park

Two people were robbed in a drug transaction in Garden City Park, according to a police report.

Police reported the following:

Benjamin Zohar, 24, and Kathryn Chao, 19, both of Albertson, met Heather Steele, 18, of Garden City Park in that area for drugs. The car they were in was approached by three men: Jose Lopez, 22, Jonathan Mercedes, 18, both of the Bronx and Jonathan Vasquez, 20, of Yonkers. Steele ran from the scene; Lopez pointed a gun at Zohar and demanded his wallet; and Mercedes and Vasquez took $500, some personal belongings of Chao and a backpack that had more than a pound of marijuana. The three were driven away from the robbery by Jorge Frias, 21, of the Bronx.

The car the four men drove off in was pulled over near Jericho Turnpike and South 5th Street in New Hyde Park and the four were arrested. It was later determined that Steele helped plan and assist in the robbery and she was subsequently arrested.

Lopez, Mercedes, Vasquz, Frias and Steele were charged with two counts of second-degree robbery and Lopez was also charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Zohar and Chao were charged with second-degree criminal sale of marijuana.

Garden City

Officers responded to the on October 23 for multiple calls of fights and noise complaints. It was determined that there was a large party at that location. As a result of their investigation, a male 29-year-old from Westbury was issued an appearance ticket for violation of the village noise ordinance.

(name removed)

Brookville

Crime Stoppers and the Nassau County Police Department are seeking the public’s help in identifying a man is wanted in connection with a grand larceny that occurred in Brookville Sept. 9 in the parking lot of CW Post College. Police report that on that day unknown person(s) stole two sets of pocketbooks and contents, including credit cards from a blue, four-door 1998 Honda Accord.

One of the victim’s stolen credit cards was used by the unknown subject pictured to the right at LIDS in Roosevelt Field Mall.

Crime Stoppers is asking anyone who can identity the subject, or has any information about the case, to contact the toll free hotline: 1-800-244-TIPS(8477).