The First Squad reports the arrests of two men for Attempted Robbery that occurred in East Meadow on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 8:35 pm.
According to detectives, as part of Operation Natalie, Nassau County’s War Against Opioids, two COPE officers on narcotic enforcement were parked in an unmarked vehicle in the front lot of Coliseum Motor Inn located at 1650 Hempstead Turnpike. The officer’s observed two male subjects exit the hotel and approach their vehicle. Defendant Jordan Hernandez, 18, of 679 Lafayette Avenue, Uniondale was seen putting on a white ski mask while walking up to the vehicle on the passenger side. Defendant Jose Pineda, 18, of 472 Greenwich Street, Hempstead was also seen approaching the driver’s side with a large bulge in his sweatshirt pocket. Both officer’s who feared for their life exited their vehicle and displayed their police shield ordering both defendants to stop. A subsequent investigation revealed that defendant Pineda had in his possession a black / silver imitation hand gun and a kitchen knife. It was determined that both defendants were attempting to rob the occupants in the vehicle. Both defendants were then placed into police custody. There were no injuries reported. There were no proceeds recovered.
Both defendants were charged with Attempted Robbery 2nd Degree. The were both arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.
Details by: Det. Avis / First Squad 01/13/21/1130/8348