Man Busted After Trying To Steal Tires, Rims: Police

RIVERHEAD, NY — A man was arrested after he was caught trying to steal the tires and rims off a truck in Riverhead, police said.

According to the Riverhead Police Department, authorities responded to a call at 3:50 a.m. on Old Country Road regarding the attempted theft of two tires and rims from an unregistered 2014 Chevy Silverado.

Two witnesses reported the passenger side lug nuts, and the passenger side rear tire and rim, had been removed from the vehicle, police said.

The witnesses also said they saw "a suspicious person" at the location who fled the area in a vehicle, police said.

The vehicle was located a short distance from the scene with the assistance of the New York State Police Department, police said.

The vehicle was operated by Anthony Murphy, 34, of Flanders; after further investigation it was determined that Murphy had attempted to remove the passenger side tires and rims from the truck in question, police said.

Murphy was arrested, charged with one count of fourth degree attempted grand larceny and one count of possession of burglar's tools, and transported to the Riverhead Police Department for arrest processing, police said.