Crime & Safety

Police: Pair Robbed Abandoned Warehouse at Lawrence Aviation

Men allegedly burglarized building on property designated as EPA Superfund site.

A pair of alleged burglars came from Patchogue to rob an abandoned warehouse at the Lawrence Aviation site at 100 Sheep Pasture Road in Port Jefferson, according to police reports.

William Rucker, 20, and Paul Clinton Jr., 20, both of Patchogue, were arrested on July 3 when they were found by police on Catherine Street and Washington Avenue in Port Jefferson Station and charged with 3rd degree burglary.

Police say that the two men took property from the building but they did not say what it was.

Find out what's happening in Port Jeffersonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A witness who called police said that they were driving in a red Toyota Highlander.

The Lawrence Aviation property has been the subject of controversy since the owners were cited for storing chemicals on the site that leaked into the ground.

Find out what's happening in Port Jeffersonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Environment Protection Agency set up two filtration pump stations to cleanse the groundwater of a toxic plume originating at the upland property and seeping down into the village of Port Jefferson. One plant is located on top of the area where the waste was poured into the ground and in the village.

last year also caused worry to neighbors who feared there might be toxic waste in the air. Although battling the blazes, the . The fire marshal determined that the .

Court records show that Rucker was originally held on $5,000 bail. He was arraigned on July 9 and released on his own recognizance from First District Court in Central Islip. Clinton also originally had bail set at $5,000, which was not posted. Records show that Clinton is still in custody. Both are due back in court on Sept. 4.

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