PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — New Year’s Eve celebrations are canceled in two Long Island towns. The village of Patchogue‘s popular “Midnight on Main Street” was called off. It’s an event that attracts thousands of families who gather to help ring in the new year. It was canceled last year due to the pandemic. Town officials had hoped to resume the festivities this year, but they say the current COVID situation is too risky and there are public safety staffing concerns. “We can say to people, everybody has to wear a mask, but to have the manpower to enforce that is very difficult,” Patchogue ..read more

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — There was a long overdue homecoming Wednesday for a World War II veteran. The remains of Navy Fireman 3rd Class Kenneth Jayne, of Patchogue, arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport. He was killed in action while onboard the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. His remains were finally identified in 2016 thanks to advanced DNA technology. “This has been maybe my third one here in New York since I’ve been stationed here. It’s never easy,” U.S. Navy Chief James Sarkor told CBS2’s Cory James. Jayne’s remains will now be taken to a funeral home on Long Isla ..read more

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — The Gabby Petito Foundation is holding a fundraiser Sunday on Long Island. It starts at 1 p.m. at the Blue Point Fire Department in Patchogue. The event will feature live music, including the Christian Cabrera Band. There will also be food, drinks, a raffle and auction. The advocacy organization was created after Petito’s death to support families of missing loved ones. Authorities ruled Petito’s death a homicide after her body was found in Grand Teton National Park in September. A few weeks later, a Wyoming coroner said an autopsy determined she died by strangul ..read more

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Long Island is preparing to take a serious hit from Henri. Warning signs advising drivers to “Avoid Travel Thru Monday” lit the Long Island Expressway during the dark, early morning drive, CBS2’s Jenna DeAngelis reported Sunday. Fire Island residents and visitors were urged to leave before Henri’s arrival and many people spent Saturday stocking up as the storm approached. Click here for the latest forecast and weather alerts “I bought wood to cover up stuff so it doesn’t break my windows or anything like that, try to protect as much of the glass as I can,” said J ..read more

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) – A funeral for New York rapper Biz Markie was held today on Long Island. As CBS 2’s Nick Caloway reports, after a lifetime of making music and making people laugh, Biz Markie’s name was on the marquee one last time. It was “Just A Friend,” his ode to a broken heart, that shot rapper Biz Markie to stardom in 1989. It was his biggest hit, reaching platinum status. After a long career rapping and beatboxing, Biz Markie reinvented himself as a successful DJ, inspiring younger generations of artists all along the way. “So I would use his beatboxing skills and ..read more

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Police say perfume thieves have struck again on Long Island, stealing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from an Ulta Beauty store. This latest incident happened around 8:30 p.m. on July 10 at the store on Sunrise Highway in Patchogue. Police said two men walked out with approximately $3,500 worth of perfume and took off in a silver Nissan Altima. (Credit: Suffolk County Police) As CBS2’s Carolyn Gusoff reported exclusively last week, this is part of a growing shoplifting trend across the country. “I’d say it’s organized, its brazen, and it’s a trend nat ..read more

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) – Suffolk County Police say a Patchogue man sexually abused children in his wife’s care. (credit: Suffolk County Police) They say Angel Tacuri sexually three girls between 2010 and 2015, when they were between the ages of 3 and 8. The victims came forward after Tacuri was arrested in January for allegedly sexually assaulting a 7-year-old in 2010. Tacuri, 52, faces charges of sexual abuse, endangering the welfare of a child, and more. He’s set to appear in court Thursday. Anyone who thinks they may have been victimized by Tacuri is asked to contact police at (631 ..read more

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — There is an update on the driver accused in the stabbing a Suffolk County police officer, an act that nearly killed him. The driver has been indicted on 10 charges, including aggravated assault. Jonathan Nunez, 25, appeared in court Wednesday for arraignment. Prosecutors say Nunez was driving under the influence and evading police when he crashed in Patchogue on April 10. He’s accused of stabbing Officer Christopher Racioppo in the leg to escape arrest. The knife severed a vital artery, causing extensive blood loss, officials said. Racioppo had emergency surgery. He was ..read more

BRENTWOOD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) – Suffolk County officials released details about the quick response that saved a police officer’s life. Police say officer Christopher Racioppo was stabbed during a struggle with 25-year-old Joseph Nunez Saturday night. (credit: Suffolk County Police) Officers attempted to stop Nunez for allegedly driving erratically and without headlights in Patchogue. After crashing into another car, police say Nunez stabbed Racioppo in the leg. Monday, Racioppo’s sergeant discussed the crucial response from fellow officers, and a Marine who lived near the scene. “I grabb ..read more

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — A suspect is under arrest for the stabbing of a uniformed police officer following a crash in Patchogue, Suffolk County Police said Sunday. Jonathan Nunez was allegedly driving erratically and without headlights on when Officer Christopher Racioppo spotted his car on South Ocean Avenue around 10:40 p.m. Saturday. According to police, Nunez crashed his 1999 Mercedes Benz into a Nissan at the intersection of South Ocean Avenue and Brook Street after the officer tried to pull him over, flipping his vehicle on its side. Nunez, 25, reportedly got out of his car, ignor ..read more