The Third Squad reports the arrest of three individuals for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance that occurred on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 11:26 PM in East Garden City.

According to Detectives, Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Team (CIRRT) Officers while on routine patrol observed a red 2024 Toyota heading southbound on Merchant Concourse being operated at a high rate of speed and changing lanes unsafely. Officers activated their emergency lights and conducted a Vehicle and Traffic Law stop. 

During the investigation, officers observed a clear plastic bag containing pills believed to be Methylenedioxymethamphetamine in plain sight. Officers attempted to place the defendants under arrest when the defendant Shaking Vereen, 34, of 101 Taylor Avenue, Westbury attempted to flee the scene on foot. After a brief foot pursuit and numerous verbal commands, the defendant became violent and combative causing officers to utilize an Electronic Control Device (ECD), Taser, to place him into custody. He was transported to a local area hospital for evaluation and treatment. An officer suffered injuries to his wrist, shoulder, elbow and knees and was also transported to a nearby hospital.  Defendants Damien Smith, 34, of 101 Taylor Avenue, Westbury and Kayla Gries, 29, of 53 Ocean Avenue, Malverne were placed under arrest without incident.

Defendant Damien Smith is charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7^th Degree and multiple VTL violations. He was released on an Appearance Ticket. Defendant Kayla Gries is charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7^th Degree and was also released on an Appearance Ticket. Defendant Shaking Vereen is charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7^th Degree, Assault 2^nd Degree, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Administration and having an active Nassau County warrant. He was arraigned on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.