A Holtsville man fled authorities and crashed his SUV into a police car early Wednesday morning after a dispute with a neighbor over a cellphone, police say.
Suffolk Police Commissioner Tim Sini says two men and two women approached the front door of a home on Morris Avenue around 12:05 a.m. with the intent of retrieving a cellphone.
One of the men, 29-year-old Robert Lathan, then got into a scuffle with a man inside as he tried to enter the home. The owner called 911, and police arrived as the two suspects were leaving.
Detectives say when Lathan tried to flee the scene, he intentionally drove his SUV into a police car.
Meanwhile, police say 24-year-old Miguel Ruiz, of Mastic, was also trespassing on the property. They say he ran from the scene and was then bitten by a police dog after resisting arrest.
"The main subject drove into one of our police cars, and another resisting our K-9 officers – which I don't recommend doing," said Sini. "It resulted in the dog appropriately neutralizing that threat."
Police have not released why the group was attempting to retrieve the cellphone.
Detectives interviewed two females in connection with the incident, but they were not charged.
Lathan is facing multiple charges, including second-degree criminal mischief, resisting arrest and driving while ability impaired by drugs. Detectives say two police officers were injured while taking him into custody.
Ruiz is charged with third-degree criminal trespass.
Both men are awaiting arraignment.