After a months-long investigation into the thefts of tools and construction equipment in the Village of Quogue and the surrounding area, Quogue Village Police, in collaboration with other police agencies, arrested a Mastic man this week and charged him with the thefts.
Roman M. Zhinin, 21, was arrested by Quogue Village Police on Tuesday afternoon, January 21, at his home in Mastic. He was charged with one count of grand larceny in the third degree and three counts of criminal mischief in the third degree, both felonies, as well as one count of criminal mischief in the fourth degree and one count of criminal trespassing, all misdemeanors.
According to police, a Quogue Village Police officer observed an unoccupied running vehicle on County Road 104 near Old County Road on Tuesday, January 21, at approximately 3:15 a.m. Police said the vehicle contained several construction tools and landscaping equipment.
Upon investigation, the responding officer saw several suspects in the woods near the vehicle who immediately fled the area.
In collaboration with Suffolk County Police, Southampton Town Police, Westhampton Beach Village Police and East Hampton Town Police, Quogue Village Police arrested Mr. Zhinin and traced him back to his home. Police were not able to identify the others who fled the scene.
According to police, more than 70 items — all believed to be stolen — were recovered from Mr. Zhinin’s home and were valued at over $10,000. Police said they were the proceeds of numerous burglaries at construction sites and from businesses and homes throughout the area over the past several months.
He is scheduled to be arraigned at Quogue Village Justice Court on Wednesday, January 29, at 9 a.m.