Crime & Safety

Ronkonkoma Man Arrested After Holbrook Helicopter Search

Friday night manhunt alarmed residents as chopper searched for escapee.

A Ronkonkoma man is under arrest after escaping initial arrest and spurring on a helicopter and K-9 assisted manhunt.

Police say Shawn Nikodem, 33, was initially discovered sleeping in his vehicle on Tate Street in Holbrook on July 26. When police approached the car, they noticed drug paraphernalia on the seat. 

Nikodem was ordered out of his vehicle and place under arrest, according to police, but managed to slip the handcuffs and flee on foot with the cuffs still attached to one wrist. The arresting officer pursued Nikodem and called in helicopter and K-9 support to assist. 

Many residents in the surrounding neighborhood were alarmed by the helicopter search and reached out to Patch for information.

Eventually Fifth Precinct detectives were able to capture Nikodem. He is being charged with possession of a hyperdermic needle, resisting arrest, escape in the 3rd degree and petit larceny for running off with the handcuffs. 

*A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.


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