NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) — A Long Island man was facing charges on Saturday, for taking an ambulance for a three-mile joy ride earlier in the month. Salvatore Brecciano allegedly took the ambulance from a firehouse in Merrick. The keys had been left in the ignition. A 12-pack of beer was left in the spot where the vehicle had been parked, according to authorities. Brecciano had purchased the beer with a debit card at a nearby 7-Eleven. The ambulance was recovered undamaged. Police arrested Brecciano on Friday at his Tyrus Court home, Newsday reported. A set of ambulance keys were reportedly found ..read more

MERRICK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — As we approach the all-important holiday shopping season, a big push has been launched on Long Island to get residents to spend money near home. As WCBS 880’s Mike Xirinachs reported, the Long Island business community emphasized the importance of shopping locally. Long Island Chambers Of Commerce: Keep Your Shopping Local “It keeps the funds in the community and it builds up the community, that’s the reason,” said Angela Powers of New Hyde Park. “And you get to know your neighbors besides.” The chambers of commerce in Nassau County gathered in downtown Merrick th ..read more

MERRICK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — A large Long Island congregation was without a church Sunday after a fire, but members were not letting the damage deter their faith. As CBS 2’s Janelle Burrell reported, the fire broke out Friday night at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, at 2421 Hewlett Ave. in Merrick. Flames could be seen shooting through the roof. Once the blaze was extinguished, the once-ornate church entrance was left blackened and charred. Parishioners were overwhelmed with emotion. “It was unbelievable,” said church board member George Karadakis, “unbelievable.” “Shock,” said pastor ass ..read more

MERRICK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Authorities Saturday morning were investigating a fire that damaged a church on Long Island. Flames could be seen shooting through the roof of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, at 2421 Hewlett Ave. in Merrick, on Friday ngiht. The fire caused severe damage to the structure. Firefighters helped worshipers carry items out of the church building, trying to salvage what they could. There were no reports of any injuries Saturday morning. You may also be interested in these stories: [display-posts category=”news” wrapper=”ul” posts_per_page=”4 ..read more

MERRICK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) — A black and white dog named Cookie has been returned to his owners days after disappearing following a burglary at the family’s home. The Shih Tzu Bichon mix was in good condition, police said. Last Monday, someone broke into a Merrick Avenue home through a basement window and then left through the front door between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., police said. Owner Gus Lafkas returned home to find the house burglarized and Cookie missing. Nassau County police said Cookie was returned three days later. “Everyone is very excited, overwhelmed, my children are beside themselv ..read more

MERRICK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Police are looking for a dog that disappeared following a burglary on Long Island earlier this week. On Monday, someone broke into a Merrick Avenue home through a basement window and then left through the front door, police said. As 1010 WINS’ Carol D’Auria reported Wednesday, the Lafkas family of Merrick was heartbroken after the dog was taken. Patricia Lafkas said the thieves broke in between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Police: Dog Missing After Merrick, Long Island Home Burglarized Police said it is unclear whether “Cookie,” a 2-year-old Bichon/Shih-tzu mix, was taken o ..read more

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) — This year’s Independence Day celebration took on special significance for one family on the South Shore of Long Island. The Farrell’s lost their home to Superstorm Sandy, but told CBS 2 that the disaster brought them closer together. “The entire back foundation of our house collapsed into our basement along with half of our yard, and the entire basement was filled with water,” Ann Mary Farrell told CBS 2’s Cindy Hsu. The Farrells couldn’t afford to rebuild their home, so they moved in with their grandmother Ann Fernan at her Merrick home. “We are lucky, we are very lucky ..read more

MERRICK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Police are stepping up patrols around schools in two Nassau County communities after several attempted lurings were reported this month. Nassau County Deputy Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter told WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs there have been a total of 10 luring incidents in the past several weeks in Bellmore and Merrick. “Clearly, there is a predator among us,” Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said Monday. As CBS 2’s Carolyn Gusoff reported, kids are being warned to keep their guard up walking home from school in the Merrick and Bellmo ..read more

NORTH MERRICK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Two people were killed, and three others were critically injured, in a crash early Sunday on Southern State Parkway on Long Island. The crash happened around 5:45 a.m. on the westbound Southern State Parkway at Exit 24, authorities said. New York State Police said one car was involved in the crash, and was speeding. The driver lost control and crashed into trees off the road, 1010 WINS’ Carol D’Auria reported. 2 Dead, 3 Critically Injured In Long Island Crash There were five people in the car. Some were trapped, while others were ejected and lost limbs. Kill ..read more

MERRICK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Nassau County cops said no charges have been filed after they were called to the family home of Lindsay Lohan Wednesday on a report of an argument between the starlet and her mother. Police said they received a 911 call just after 8 a.m. about a domestic situation at the Merrick home of Lohan’s mother Dina, 1010 WINS’ Mona Rivera reported. 1010 WINS’ Mona Rivera reports  https://newyork.cbslocal.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14578484/2012/10/lohan-1-rivera-w40-soc-bgibbons.mp3 At one point, witnesses said Lohan was seen getting out of a black vehicle angry ..read more