Hero Preschool Owner Speaks After Accused Burglar Tries To Kick Down Door: 'I Did What Anyone Would Do'

CENTER MORICHES, NY — A Riverhead man was arrested after attempting to burglarize a Center Moriches church while preschool classes were taking place in the building, police said.

According to Suffolk County police, the incident took place Tuesday at 12:50 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of the Moriches, located on Main Street.

Daniel Fanuele, 30, was attempting to kick down the door to burglarize the building when he was confronted by an employee of Gentle Hearts Preschool, which is located inside the church, police said.

Fanuele fled the scene on foot, police said.

As a precaution, 19 students and two employees sheltered in place until police arrived, police said.

There were no injuries reported, police said.

Speaking with Patch after the incident, Ellen Frazzetta owner of Gentle Hearts Preschool, said she was moved by the outpouring of support.

"I did what anyone would and should have in a situation like this — the little ones are the most precious and important. I’m truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from my school family as well as the community. It is appreciated and humbling."

According to Frazzetta, the children never knew about the potential danger.

"The kids were happily oblivious to the situation," she said. "I instructed my staff to keep them in the bigger classroom, lock the doors and do everything and anything to keep them happy and engaged — and they did a wonderful job as always."

She added: "The only thing that went through my head was keeping my kids safe, fear, — and, truthfully, I was so angry at this man — that he even dared to threaten my little ones' safety!"

The police, Frazzetta said, "responded so quickly and were the true heroes of the day — as well as my staff for keeping the children blissfully unaware while eating green bagels and making fruit loop rainbows for St Patrick’s Day."

She added: "The kids had so much fun trying to catch the tricky leprechaun — we did get his pot of gold, though! The afternoon session did not get to do this yesterday but they will tomorrow. I’m going to tell them that the leprechaun really wanted to trick them so he came on a different day."

Following an investigation by Seventh Squad detectives, Fanuele was arrested at 2:41 p.m. at the intersection of Coventry Avenue and Mastic Road in Mastic, police said.

He was charged with third-degree attempted burglary and criminal mischief, police said.

He will be held overnight at the Sixth Precinct and is scheduled for arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip on Wednesday, police said.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Seventh Squad detectives at 631-852- 8752.