A mall crime spree---one that included an incident at the Sunrise Mall, which inflicted tens of thousands of dollars of damages but no injuries---has apparently come to an end.
Seventh Squad detectives report the arrest of an Amityville man for reckless endangerment and criminal mischief that occurred in Massapequa on Thursday, June 7 at 6:40 p.m.
Detectives report that Dwight Thomas, 19, did drive a tan 1995 Toyota Corolla into the main entrance of the Sunrise Mall, breaking the four doors and frames and continued driving into a crowded mall area.
Thomas, police said, then drove into a kiosk, made a left-hand turn down a hallway and another left before driving through two doors on the east side of the mall (near a dental clinic) and exiting into the mall parking lot.
Thomas parked the vehicle and a passerby detained him until 7th Precinct Police Officers John Robertazzi and Terrence Quinn placed Thomas under arrest.
A female patron of the mall did suffer a minor laceration (due to the glass on the mall floor.) There were no other injuries reported, police said.
Thomas' actions caused approximately $60,000 worth of damage, police added.
The incident at the Sunrise Mall was only the second act of alleged vandalism committed by the defendant during the first week of June.
Thomas has also been charged with arson 3rd degree (C Felony) for a fire that took place on Tuesday, June 5 at the Broadway Mall in Hicksville, police said.
For the incident in Massapequa, Thomas has been charged with criminal mischief 2nd degree (D Felony) and reckless endangerment 1st degree (D Felony).
He was arraigned in First District Court, Hempstead, on Friday, June 8.