Matthew Chayes
Newsday
FREEPORT, N.Y. — A Freeport man confronted at a Radio Shack for a stolen credit card he took from a nearby health club tried to flee by punching the cop who was arresting him, police said Saturday.
Police then tackled Joshua Samlal, 19, on Thursday and arrested him on felony charges that include assault and larceny, police said.
The officer was treated at a hospital and released.
Samlal, who is a member of the Bally Total Fitness on Merrick Road in Rockville Centre, had used bolt cutters several days earlier to jimmy open lockers and steal wallets, said gym management and Nassau Police Officer Michael Aronsen.
Samlal, of Lillian Avenue, went twice to the same Radio Shack on Sunrise Highway to buy more than $1,100 in merchandise with at least one stolen card, Aronsen said.
Samlal, who is to appear in court again Wednesday, remains jailed on $15,000 cash bail following an arraignment Friday, authorities said.
Copyright 2007 Newsday