Syosset, NY - Sept. 11, 2018 - The Second Squad reports the arrest of two homeless men for an incident that occurred on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 3:40 p.m. in Syosset.
According to detectives, a 54 year old male victim was driving southbound on the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway Exit Ramp, exiting onto the Long Island Expressway eastbound, when he observed a black Toyota 4Runner with California Registration 8CXY236 stopped on the right shoulder. The victim slowed down and pulled over to assist the vehicle. The passenger of the Toyota 4Runner approached the victim’s vehicle and reached in the passenger’s side window attempting to steal property from the center console. The victim was able to drive away and observe the subject stop another motorist. The subject ran back to the Toyota 4Runner, entered the passenger side, and fled eastbound on the Long Island Expressway.
Upon further investigation, the passenger, Catalin Vaduva, 24, who is homeless, was observed stopped in traffic at the Round Swamp Road Exit. The subject was removed from the vehicle and placed under arrest without further incident.
Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of the driver of the fleeing vehicle, Valentin Vaduva, 18, who is also homeless and the brother of Catalin. In the backseat of the vehicle were three (3) females, ages 15, 3 and 2, who were released to a family member.
Catalin and Valentin Vaduva are charged with Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree, Grand Larceny 4th Degree (attempt) and three (3) counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Valentin Vaduva is also charged with multiple New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations. Both were arraigned today, September 10, 2018 in First District Court in Hempstead.
Detectives are asking anyone who feels that they were a victim by the actions of the above defendants to contact the Nassau County Police Department-Second Squad at 516-573-6253. All callers will remain anonymous.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.