Two Nassau County police officers were injured while arresting a father and son who authorities said they caught burglarizing copper pipes from a vacant house in South Farmingdale over the weekend.
The officers responded to an abandoned house on Carmen Gate when they were confronted by 51-year-old Steven Merrill and his 21-year-old son, James, both of East Farmingdale, at 10:35 a.m. Saturday, police said.
James Merrill allegedly pushed an officer before he ran away and scuffled with the officers who chased him down, police said.
Both officers were taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries suffered while taking the two suspects into custody. One officer suffered a fractured hand and the other suffered a sprained ankle and hand. Each suffered back injuries.
Police said the suspects were found with a bag containing bolt cutters, flashlights, wrenches, screwdrivers, pipe cutters and other tools.
Father and son were each charged with burglary and possession of burglars tools. James Merrill was also charged with assault.
Bail for Steven was set at $20,000 bond or $10,000 cash. James’ bail was set at $10,000 bond or $5,000 cash. They’re both due back in court Wednesday.
