A Far Rockaway man was arrested Wednesday night on multiple charges after a shoplifting incident in Lawrence, which ended with the defendant allegedly fleeing from police and assaulting multiple officers.
According to Nassau County detectives, around 6:31 p.m., Fourth Precinct police officers responded to the Radio Shack at 25301 Rockaway Turnpike to investigate a shoplifting incident.
As officers approached the defendant, Walter Howard, 30, to place him into custody, he struck one officer repeatedly about the face and head and threw him to the ground, police said. When another officer attempted to assist, the defendant fled and a foot pursuit ensued.
According to police, a second officer fell injuring his right hand during the pursuit. Officers pursued Howard to Rockaway Turnpike where they attempted to place him into custody. A struggle ensued and an officer injured his hand.
Three officers were removed to a local hospital where they were treated and released.
Howard is charged with three counts of assault in the second degree, petit larceny and resisting arrest. He will be arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Thursday.
