Sixth Squad Detectives report the arrest of a New Jersey man for Criminal Mischief that occurred on Monday, February 5, 2024 at 11:15 am in Greenvale.
According to detectives, an unknown male knocked on a Maple Street residence and notified the owner that his roof was leaking. The unknown male asked the male victim, 82, to come outside to see the problem. The victim exited the residence and observed a second male place a ladder against the house and go to the roof. While on the roof, the male showed the victim a piece of wood. A third subject went inside the home with the victim and inspected a hole in the ceiling sheetrock which he claimed was caused due to the damaged roof. At this time, the third subject requested a certified check for $20,000 to repair the roof. The male stated the money was to purchase a machine needed to make the repair. The victim requested the men return later in the day. The subjects left the scene and the victim contacted police.
Detectives were investigating the incident and were notified of a group of males fitting the same description, knocked on the door of a Marks Place residence in Roslyn Heights claiming to work for Roslyn Water District. The subjects claimed the victim had a damaged roof and they could repair it. The female victim refused to open the door and told the men to leave. The men left the scene in a gold-colored SUV.
Detectives observed a 2006 gold Toyota Highlander with a ladder, traveling southbound on Mineola Avenue. Detectives activated their emergency lights to stop the vehicle. The vehicle initially stopped but then fled southbound and crashed in the vicinity of High Street. Four (4) subjects exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Terry McDonagh, 29, of 47 Cottage Place, Keansburg, New Jersey, was apprehended by detectives.
Detective request anyone with information regarding the incident or individuals to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-Tips or call 911. If you were the victim of a similar incident call police. All callers will remain anonymous.
Defendant McDonagh is charged with Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree, Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd Degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree and Attempted Grand Larceny 4th Degree. He will be arraigned on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at First District Court, Hempstead.
The Nassau County Police Department urges the community to be on alert and to remind vulnerable family members, friends and neighbors about potential scams or fraud. Soliciting for home repairs without a license is frequently in violation of town codes.