Wyandanch Teen Intentionally Struck Man With Car, Caused Fire at Gas Station: Police

WYANDANCH, NY - A Wyandanch teen was arrested Saturday night for weapons possession and assault charges in two separate incidents, including one in which police say he intentionally struck a man with a car, igniting a fire at a gas station.

According to police, while on routine patrol, two First Precinct police officers observed a 2010 Honda parked at the end of Pine Street in Wyandanch around 7 p.m. Saturday.

As they approached the vehicle, the officers observed an occupant smoking marijuana and upon further investigation, a passenger in the rear seat, Maleek Ward, was found to be in possession of a loaded, defaced 9mm handgun, police said.

Ward, 18, was taken into custody and charged with second degree criminal possession of a weapon, third degree criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of a marijuana.

Further investigation by First Squad detectives determined Ward was responsible for an incident that occurred on Friday at a BP gas station located at 1501 Straight Path in Wyandanch, police said.

During that incident, Ward intentionally struck a man with a 2012 Toyota RAV4 before the vehicle struck a gas pump, igniting a fire, police said. Ward was charged with second degree assault and fourth degree criminal mischief for that incident.

Three other people who were in the car with Ward on Saturday were also arrested. Tony Whitehead, 23, of Central Islip, was charged with an outstanding warrant. Frederick Booker, 26, of Central Islip, was charged with seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Daquan Cannon, 24, of Central Islip, was charged with fifth degree criminal possession of marijuana.

Ward will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Monday. Whitehead was scheduled to be arraigned at Southampton Town Justice Court on Sunday. Booker and Cannon were scheduled to be arraigned in Central Islip on Sunday.