Homeless Man Flees Police, Arrested in Port Jefferson Station

Suffolk police on Thursday arrested a homeless man who they say attempted to burglarize a vacant home in Selden, then led them on a chase that ended in Port Jefferson Station.

Police said Robert Russo, 48, had broken into a home on North Evergreen Drive in Selden shortly after 11 a.m. on Aug. 15. According to a police report, Russo fled when officers interrupted the burglary, driving a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 

Police said Russo committed multiple traffic violations as he fled and eventually lost control of his car, hitting a parked, unoccupied car in the process. The man allegedly fled on foot at that point, and was arrested on North Bicycle Path in Port Jefferson Station. A police officer was reportedly injured while making the arrest.

Russo faces three felony charges, including third-degree burglary, second-degree assault and first-degree reckless endangerment. He also faces several misdemeanor charges, including third-degree criminal trespassing, unlawfully fleeing an officer, second-degree criminal impersonation and possession of burglar's tools. He also had a bench warrant issued in his name, and was issued tickets for one violation and two traffic infractions.

A police spokesperson said Russo was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries he suffered when his vehicle struck the parked car.

According to online court records, Russo is being held on $20,000 bond or $10,000 cash bail, and is set to appear in court on Aug. 21.