Task Force Shuts down Attempted Street Takeover at Ronkonkoma Train Station

The Suffolk County Police Street Takeover Task shut down an attempted street takeover in Ronkonkoma.  

Over 40 vehicles were involved in a street takeover in the parking lot of the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road station. Two pick-up trucks were doing donuts around other vehicles and bystanders at approximately 10:15 p.m.  

The Street Takeover Task Force, as well as Criminal Intelligence officers from all seven Suffolk County  Police Department precincts, descended on the parking lot, blocking all exits. Michael Watson, 19, of Ronkonkoma, who was driving a 2002 Dodge Ram, was cited for performing a side show and engaging in stunt behavior and also issued three additional traffic tickets. Police impounded his vehicle.  

Jason Merino, 24, of 6 Jenny Path, Medford, was arrested and charged with first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation under Angelica’s Law for driving with 35 suspensions on nine separate dates. He will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date. His vehicle, a 2006 Honda sedan, was impounded.