Man Charged In String Of Thefts From Cars In Hampton Bays: Cops

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A man has been arrested and charged with stealing property from vehicles in Hampton Bays, police said.

According to Southampton Town Police, Richard J. Kruger, 26, of Mastic Beach, was arrested on May 22 at 10:45 p.m. Kruger was observed by officers entering a vehicle in a driveway near the intersection of Palo Alto Drive and Westerly Court and attempting to steal items, police said. When a patrol officer approached him, Kruger attempted to flee, police said.

Officers were able to apprehend Kruger who began to fight with police, resisting his arrest, authorities said.

Kruger was taken into custody and found to be in possession of stolen items from the vehicle, police said. He was arrested and charged with petty larceny, two counts of fifth degree criminal
possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, and criminal possession of a
controlled substance — as he was also found to be in possession of a quantity of Xanax, police said.

Kruger was transported to police headquarters and after a subsequent investigation conducted
by the Southampton Town Police Department's detective division and community response unit, he was charged with multiple counts of petty larceny for his role in an ongoing pattern of criminal activity in the area of Woodridge Road, Lynncliff Road, and Palo Alto Drive, as well as side streets and cul-de-sacs in Hampton Bays, police said.

Ultimately, Kruger was processed and charged with eight counts of petty larceny, three counts of fifth degree criminal possession of stolen property, one count of resisting arrest, and one count of seventh degree criminal possession of stolen property, police said.

Southampton detectives are still investigating multiple thefts from vehicles in the Hampton Bays
area and Kruger may face additional charges, police said.

Anyone with information on the incident or similar crimes is asked to contact the Southampton
Town Police Department's detective division at 631-702-2230.