Man Who Brought Down Police Chief Arrested Again

ISLANDIA, NY – Suffolk County Police arrested a man in Islandia Friday night after he intentionally struck a police vehicle with an officer inside in Ridge, police said.

According to police, 32-year-old Christopher Loeb, who was at the center of the case that sent former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke to prison, was driving a 2018 Jeep Cherokee when he struck a sign on a lawn at a residence on Lakeside Trail at about 7:55 p.m.

When police arrived, Loeb intentionally struck a marked Seventh Precinct patrol vehicle with an officer inside, police said.

Loeb fled to a dead-end street, Manhasset Trail, as police followed, police said.

Loeb drove on several lawns, and struck the officer’s vehicle again, before fleeing the scene, police said. Police initiated a pursuit, but called it off due to safety concerns.

Loeb was driving recklessly, and police followed at a safe distance, police said.

Loeb entered the Long Island Expressway and continued driving at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner, police said. Loeb exited the LIE at exit 58 and parked his vehicle at the Mobil gas station, located at 3775 Express Drive North in Islandia, police said.

A Highway Patrol Unit officer observed the parked Jeep, and a witness alerted the officer that Loeb had fled on foot moments before, police said.

A Canine Section dog found Loeb in the woods, and a Canine Section officer arrested him at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Loeb was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The officer in the vehicle that Loeb struck was treated and released from Long Island Community Hospital in East Patchogue with non-life threatening injuries.

Loeb, of Mount Sinai, was charged with third degree third degree criminal mischief, second degree reckless endangerment, unlawfully feeing a police officer, driving while ability impaired by drugs and multiple vehicle and traffic infractions.