Defendant Allegedly Crashed Vehicle into Detective’s Car While Fleeing Scene of Theft
A Nassau County man has been indicted for allegedly crashing his vehicle into an occupied unmarked police car and allegedly injuring another officer during his attempt to flee after he was allegedly caught stealing car parts.
On September 2, detectives of the Suffolk County Property and Auto Crime Unit were conducting surveillance for an investigation into auto stripping crimes when officers spotted Jeffrey Fairweather crossing Route 112 in Medford on foot. Fairweather was allegedly spotted entering the parking lot area of a car dealership and then seen leaving a short while later carrying a bumper, two headlights, and a front grille that he allegedly stripped from a 2023 Hyundai Palisade that was parked for sale in the car lot.
When officers moved in to investigate, Fairweather allegedly ignored their commands to stop, entered his vehicle, and crashed head-on into an undercover police vehicle at high speeds while attempting to flee. The collision extensively damaged the police vehicle and caused the detective to sustain neck, back, and foot injuries. Fairweather fled on foot into the surrounding area.
Approximately two hours later, Fifth Precinct officers spotted Fairweather near a storage facility in Holbrook. When they approached him, Fairweather allegedly disobeyed their commands to stop and again fled on foot. During the pursuit, another officer was injured after he fell on pavement and sustained injuries to his knees and a gash to his elbow, which required several stitches. Fairweather was arrested shortly after.
On October 9, Fairweather was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for the following charges:
- two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, both Class D violent felonies
- one count of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, a Class D felony
- one count of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree, a Class E felony
- one count of Grand Larceny in Fourth Degree, a Class E felony
- one count of Auto Stripping in the Third Degree, a Class A misdemeanor
Horowitz ordered Fairweather held on $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond or $350,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Fairweather is due back in court on November 13.
“Our police officers risk their lives every day to protect the community, and this defendant allegedly chose to endanger them rather than face the consequences of his actions,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “He now faces serious violent felony charges for allegedly injuring the very people who put themselves in harm’s way to keep Suffolk County safe.”