Crime & Safety

Police: Man Charged with Stealing Garbage Truck, Slamming It into School Bus While Drunk

New Square man faces two felonies charges, several misdemeanors and a traffic infraction

Ramapo Police were investigating reports of a garbage truck striking an empty school bus on Rt. 45 in New Square Tuesday morning when a salient tip surfaced.

A nearby resident phoned authorities, notifying them of a garbage truck stuck on the lawn of 44 Sandy Brook Dr. in New Hempstead.

Officers responded to the call, soon after arresting 23-year-old New Square resident Chaim Surkis. Surkis has been charged with grand larceny in the second degree, a felony, for allegedly stealing a garbage truck valued over $50,000.

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Surkis is also facing criminal possession of stolen property in the second degree, a felony, a charge also linked to the garbage truck.

Police have also charged Surkis with criminal mischief for damaging the school bus, lawn and driveway, driving while intoxicated, attempting to kick out the window of a police vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident. All the above are misdemeanors except the last, which is a traffic infraction.

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Surkis also had an outstanding arrest warrant out of the Town of Ramapo Justice Court. He is currently being held in the Town of Ramapo Police Dept. awaiting arraignment.

Ramapo Police were assisted by Rockland Paramedics, the Spring Hill
Ambulance Corps. and Hillcrest Fire Department, which helped clean up spilled motor vehicle fluids at the scene.

After being check out by ambulance crews, Surkis refused further medical attention.


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