Rummaging through a car in the wrong driveway was allegedly Royal Hooks’ first mistake. His next, prosecutors said, was pulling a knife on the off-duty NYPD officers who caught him in the act.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said the 28-year-old Manhattan man was prowling 40th Street in Lindenhurst about 1 a.m. on Oct. 9, trying to open car doors, when two off-duty NYPD officers — relatives who live on the block — spotted him rifling through a car parked in their driveway.
When the officers ordered him to stop, Hooks ran. The pair chased him down, identifying themselves as police.
They caught up to Hooks and when one of the officers told Hooks he was being arrested, the defendant allegedly pulled a knife and stabbed the cop in the leg, Tierney said.
Despite the wound, which required multiple stitches, the officers subdued Hooks and held him until Suffolk County Police officers arrived.
A bottle of cologne believed to have been stolen from one of the cars was later found along the route of the chase, prosecutors said.
Top charge of second-degree assault
Hooks was arraigned Tuesday on charges of second-degree assault and petit larceny. Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski ordered him held on $100,000 cash bail, $200,000 bond, or $1 million partially secured bond. He faces up to seven years behind bars if convicted.
“This indictment demonstrates the importance of community vigilance and the dedication of our law enforcement officers, even when off duty,” Tierney said.
Greater Long Island contacted Hooks’ attorney Matthew Hereth for comment, but has not yet heard back. Hooks is due back in court Nov. 14.
This is an ongoing story. Please check back with Greater Long Island for updates.
Top photo: 40th Street in Lindenhurst (Google Maps).