The Arson/Bomb Squad reports the arrest of a North Merrick man for a Criminal Mischief that occurred on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 5:30 a.m. in North Merrick.
According to Detectives, James Luca, 46, of 2216 Van Nostrand Avenue, ignited an explosive device and threw it onto the hood of a female victim’s car, located in the driveway of her Sherman Avenue home. The defendant then fled the scene while the device exploded, causing damage to the hood of the vehicle and the front windshield.
On Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 11:46 a.m. the defendant was lawfully pulled over by First Precinct Police for unrelated Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations. After further investigation, it was determined the defendant was responsible for the above incident.
The defendant James Luca is charged with Criminal Mischief 1 st degree, Arson 3 rd degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 1 st degree. He will be arraigned on Monday, July 29, 2024 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.