Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Police Pursuit of Allegedly Armed Burglar Ends in Crash

A Brentwood man is accused of attempted armed robbery of Central Islip home before crashing on the westbound LIE

Update: 4:38 p.m.

Police pursuit of an allegedly armed burglar ended in a crash on the Long Island Expressway near Exit 53 that snarled Wednesday morning's rush-hour traffic. 

Suffolk County police report Latief Graham, 27, entered a Central Islip home on Cliff Street early Wednesday morning. Graham, armed with a handgun, demanded cash from the five people who were inside the house, which included a 1-year-old boy. He did not receive any money and fled the scene, according to police. 

Find out what's happening in Commackwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Police received a call, tracked down Graham's vehicle and began a pursuit. The chase ended when Graham crashed on the westbound lanes of the Long Island Expressway, veering off road at the start of the off ramp for Exit 53 (Sagtikos State Parkway/Wicks Road) at approximately 9 a.m. 

Graham was taken to Southside Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He was treated and released to be taken to the Third Precinct, where he is currently being held. 

Find out what's happening in Commackwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

No one was injured during the burglary in Central Islip. 

Graham is facing a felony charge of first-degree burglary, felon charge of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, unlawfully fleeing an officer and resisting arrest. 

The police investigation of these events is ongoing. 

Original story: 

Editor's Note: Early reports stated the make of the car involved was a Jeep, but due to conflicting reports, we are seeking additional information. 

A single-car accident on the westbound Long Island Expressway is tying up traffic for local morning commuters. 

Suffolk County police are handling a single-car crash on the LIE's  westbound Exit 53/Wicks Road off ramp. A black SUV swerved off roadway, crashing into the guard rail that separates the LIE and Expressway Service Road North. 

Suffolk County Sheriff's Department said the crash resulted after a Suffolk County Police Department pursuit, however Suffolk police did not immediately confirm the report.

Stay tuned to Patch for more information on this breaking news story by following us on Facebook or Twitter @CommackPatch, @HauppaugePatch. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.