Quantcast

Northport Pair Arrested After Hit-and-run Wounds Cop

Nicholas Franzone and Chad Morizsan
Nicholas Franzone and Chad Morizsan

A Northport man has been accused of stealing an SUV, crashing into a Suffolk County police officer who pulled him over and fleeing the scene before carjacking a driver after another hit-and-run in Huntington.

Chad Morizsan, 34, was charged with assault, robbery, larceny and leaving the scene of an accident. His 22-year-old passenger, Nicholas Franzone, also of Northport, was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle for his alleged role in the carjacking.

“He is a true professional,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Edward Webber said of Second Precinct Crime Section Police Officer Nicholas Guerrero, who was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital, where is in critical condition with a serious head injury. His partner, Officer Heriberto Lugo, who was also struck, was treated for minor injuries.

Police said Morizsan stole a Ford Explorer from Commack on Saturday but was stopped by Officers Guerrero and Lugo on Monday afternoon.

Morizsan fled the scene while the officers tried to speak with the suspects, hitting both officers, police said. He allegedly stole gas from a gas station moments later. The suspect was involved in a hit-and-run with another vehicle while fleeing the gas station, authorities added.

Minutes later, Morizsan alleged carjacked a woman in Commack. He and Franzone, the passenger, were later apprehended inside Target in Central Islip.

Detectives are continuing the investigation along with prosecutors. Additional charges are expected.

Morizsan and Franzone will be arraigned Tuesday at First District Court in Central Islip.

Vehicular Crime Unit detectives ask anyone who may have witnessed these incidents or has further information to contact them at 631-852-6555 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.