Eighth Squad Detectives report the arrest of a Deer Park man for Criminal Mischief that occurred on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 6:58 pm in Farmingdale.
According to detectives, a male entered the Masjid Bilal Mosque located at 425 Fulton Street with no shirt on. Once inside, the male began to completely undress himself. The subject ran around a common area and approached an electronic tablet that was on a wall. He proceeded to punch it two (2) times causing the screen to crack. Upon arrival, officers located the subject Besart Astafa, 28, of 53 Stevenson Place, inside the Mosque. He was arrested at scene.
Astafa was removed to an area hospital for treatment and evaluation.
Defendant Astafa is charged with Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree, Exposure of a Person, Public Lewdness and Criminal Nuisance 2nd Degree. He will be arraigned on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.
***UPDATE***
Besart Astafa was released yesterday Tuesday, June 13, 2023, on his own recognizance during pre-trial services. After being released without bail Besart Astafa returned to the Masjid Bilal Mosque and again removed his clothing. Officers responded to the location and observed Astafa nude in the basement. He was arrested without incident.
Defendant Astafa is charged with Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree and Exposure of a Person. He will be arraigned on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at First District Court, Hempstead.