The First Squad reports the arrest of 5 individuals for Grand Larceny that occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 3:40 a.m. in North Merrick.

According to Detectives, Police responded to Van Nostrand Avenue for a suspicious person and vehicle with multiple occupants. Responding Officers located the suspicious male who stated he was with his friends in a 2025 U-Haul Cargo van. Police conducted a Vehicle and Traffic Law stop and in plain view within the vehicle, Officers observed multiple credit cards, wallets and identification cards. The investigation revealed the items to be proceeds from several automobile larcenies in the area and the below listed individuals were arrested without incident:

A 16-year-old male juvenile;

A 17-year-old female juvenile;

Woobenz Joseph, 20, of 605 Newton Avenue, Uniondale;

Jayda Joseph, 18, of 605 Newton Avenue, Uniondale;

Travis Gittens, 21, of 511 Cooper Court, Uniondale

Defendants Jayda Joseph, Travis Gittens and Woodbenz Joseph are all charged with three counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4^th degree. Defendant Woodbenz is additionally charged with Petit Larceny. The 16-year-old male juvenile is charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4^th degree, Grand Larceny 4^th Degree, attempted Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Petit Larceny. The 17-year-old female juvenile is charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and Attempted Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. All five defendants were released on Desk Appearance Tickets.