A 37-year-old man has been accused of breaking into an 81-year-old man’s Long Island home, then kicking a police officer who chased him down, authorities say.
Erik Cardace faces burglary and assault charges after the break-in at a home on New York Avenue in Seaford on Thursday night, according to the Nassau County Police Department.
According to police, the 81-year-old homeowner had just returned home and opened his door when a burglar burst out and ran down the street. An off-duty cop driving through the neighborhood and gave responding officers a description of the man.
One of the cops searching for the burglar saw Cardace climbing a fence and tried to grab him. That’s when police say that Cardace allegedly kicked the officer several times in the shoulder.
After a brief struggle, the officer was able to detain and arrest Cardace.
Police say that a gold watch and cash were recovered after the man was arrested.
The officer who had been kicked was taken to the hospital and was treated for injuries to his shoulder.
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Cardace was taken to the hospital for an unrelated medical condition, police say.
It’s not clear if the man has an attorney.
