Duo Tried to Steal Tires, Rims at Car Dealership: Police

Police say two men were arrested after they tried to steal tires and rims at a Smithtown car dealership early Sunday.

Steven Hall, 38, of Lake Grove, and Joseph Stoddard, 51, of Lake Ronkonkoma, are each charged with third degree attempted grand larceny, third degree auto stripping and possession of burglar tools.

According to police, Fourth Precinct Police Officer Frank Filiberto was on patrol when he observed a suspicious vehicle turn into the rear lot of King O’Rourke, located at 756 Nesconset Highway, at 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

The officer requested additional units and Filiberto and officer Vincent Liberato began to check the dealership lot. They observed two men removing lug nuts from a 2016 Cadillac Escalade, police said.

Hall and Stoddard fled when they noticed the officers and were arrested a short time later by Canine Police Officer Michael Cassidy and his dog Thor, police said.

Hall and Stoddard were arraigned Monday at First District Court in Central Islip.

SCPD photos: Joseph Stoddard (left) and Steven Hall