Police: Central Islip Man Charged in Recent Commercial Burglary Spree

A Central Islip man has been arrested for committing a series of commercial burglaries over the past several months, police said.

According to police, Fourth Precinct officer John Hernandez was on routine patrol when heard an audible alarm at a commercial business located at 670 Motor Parkway in Hauppauge at about 5 a.m. Friday. Hernandez proceeded to the rear of the building and was confronted by John Sheats, 35, who was exiting the building with proceeds from a burglary, police said.

Hernandez confronted Sheats and a struggle ensued, police said. Sheats was able to flee on foot and Hernandez then requested assistance in locating Sheats from the Canine Section and Aviation Section, police said.

A perimeter was set up and canine officer Robert Fanwick located Sheats hiding in nearby bushes, police said. Sheats was arrested without further incident, police said.

Investigation by Fourth Squad detectives revealed Sheats was also responsible for similar commercial burglaries occurring in Medford, Coram, Nesconset, Village of the Branch, and multiple burglaries in Hauppauge, police said. The first burglary occurred at a business located at 2690 Route 112 in Medford on May 9, police said.

Sheats is charged with seven counts of third degree burglary, one count of third degree attempted burglary and resisting arrest.

Sheats is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip Sunday.