(01/23/07) WEST ISLIP ? A two-hour manhunt ended Tuesday with the capture of a man possibly responsible for a string of robberies along the South Shore.

Police say the man, whose name has not been released, broke into a West Islip home in an attempt to rob the residence. The break-in touched off a two-hour manhunt, complete with helicopters and police dogs. Officers later captured the suspect near Sunrise Highway and Carleton Avenue.

News of the arrest brought a collective sigh of relief to West Islip residents. They say they feel better knowing the man who may have robbed several homes between Babylon and Sayville is in police custody. The break-ins had gripped residents in communities along the South Shore in fear. It is not known if anyone was home at the time of the alleged West Islip break-in.

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