There's a Long Island gas shortage post-Sandy and people are going to extreme lengths to get their hands on fuel.
An attempt to siphon gasoline from cars in Syosset has led to the arrest of three people on theft and drug charges, Nassau County Police said.
Second Squad detectives said they observed a man pulling on door handles of vehicles parked in the lot of Lifetime Fitness on Robbins Lane in Syosset Tuesday afternoon.
A Second Precinct officer approached the man, identified as John Mullaly 30, of 27 Meyers Ave., Hicksville. While questioning him, two other people, Michael Ioveno 37, of 12 Rim Lane, Hicksville, and Jaclyn Accetta 23, of 125 12th Ave., Sea Cliff, approached the officer in their vehicles.
Police determined that the the three were attempting to siphon gasoline from vehicles in the lot, detectives said. The phenomenon has been reported around the region following Hurricane Sandy and the short-term shortage of fuel.
The investigation revealed Ioveno was in possession of a long tube and funnel inside his 1998 Dodge Ram Truck. Police also found a hypodermic needle.
Accetta had an uncapped plastic gas can containing a small amount of gasoline inside her car.
Mullaly was in possession of a hypodermic needle and 16 suboxone sulingual film tabs, a controlled substance, police said.
According to police:
- Mullaly is charged with attempted petit larceny and drug-related charges.
- Ioveno is charged with attempted petit larceny, possession of burglar tools and a drug-related count.
- Accetta is charged with attempted petit larceny and possession of burglar tools.
All three were arraigned Wednesday at First District Court in Hempstead.
