A 29-year-old Riverhead man accused of a carjacking in Riverside early Thursday morning was spotted moments before his arrest trying to push the stolen vehicle into the Peconic River, state police said.
State troopers responded after the female victim reported that her 2008 Nissan was “forcibly” taken from the Valero gas station in the vicinity of the Riverside traffic circle at approximately 1:45 a.m., police said.
Troopers searched the area and spotted the suspect, Michael Booker, attempting to push the Nissan into the Peconic River from a Flanders Road McDonald’s parking lot, police said.
Booker allegedly attempted to flee on foot along the riverbank but was quickly apprehended, police said.
He was charged with robbery, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and harassment.
Booker was remanded to Suffolk County Jail following his arraignment at Southampton Town Justice Court.
