A burglar discovered at a house on Wildwood Lane in East Hills escaped police after a brief struggle early Saturday evening, setting off a manhunt involving police in cars and in foot as well as in a helicopter
Nassau County police said they discovered the burglar — described as a black male — hiding on the floor of a bedroom after responding to a home alarm and finding the rear door of the home open.
The suspect, who was unarmed, resisted arrest and “attempted to take one officer’s weapon,” police said.
After a continued struggle, police said, the suspect broke free and fled the home.
One of the officer’s was injured during the struggle and was hospitalized for a sprained knee and as well as rib and neck pain. He has since been released form the hospital, police said.
Police were unable to locate the suspect following a subsequent search that saw police cars lining Red Ground Road and surrounding streets as well as a helicopter flying overhead.
The suspect was described as 6’1” tall, 28-35 years old with a stocky build, curly hair, wearing a black jacket and black pants.
Village of East Hills Attorney Bill Burton confirmed the suspect was unarmed, and said nothing was taken from the residence.
Village of East Hills Mayor Michael Koblenz sent out an email to residents Sunday morning informing them of the break-in and police search, and urging them to stay in their homes with doors locked and alarms on.
“Most of the time they hit houses that are easy, they don’t have lights on alarms on, and don’t have doors locked,” Koblenz said in an interview with Blank Slate Media.
Koblenz said crime scene officials were at the house investigating the break in and will continue their search for the suspect.
