Queens Man Hit Officer With Car While Fleeing Break-In: Nassau PD

WESTBURY, NY — A Queens man was arrested early Monday morning after Nassau County police say he tried to break into a gas station, and then hit an officer with his car.

According to police, officer saw Patrick Kelly, 38, of Forest Hills, try to break into a Speedway Gas Station, located at 800 Jericho Turnpike in Westbury, at 2:15 a.m. Monday. Police say he tried to get the back door open, but caused the glass to shatter.

When the glass broke, officers turned on their emergency lights and sirens, at which time police say Kelly ran back to his 1995 Ford Econoline van.

An officer approached the passenger side of the van, telling Kelly to stop, police said. Instead, Kelly drove forward, hitting the officer and striking the patrol car, police said. Kelly was then arrested without further incident.

The officer sustained minor pain to his shoulder from the hit.

Kelly is charged with two counts of second-degree assault, third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief and several vehicle and traffic law violations. He is scheduled to be arraigned later today in First District Court in Hempstead.

Police said Kelley was arrested on Aug. 27 and charged with first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree harassment, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and trespassing. He was released without bail for the offense.