Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Defendant Who Slipped Away from Cops Surrenders

Justin Cruz was arrested on a stolen property charge in Springs on Thursday morning, when he fled, police say.

Update, 10/1: East Hampton Town police have charged Cruz with escape in the third-degree escape, a misdemeanor. 

Update, 9/28, 6:15 p.m.: East Hampton Town police said Justin Cruz surrendered and is in police custody. No further information was released. 

Previously: East Hampton Town police are looking for an 18-year-old man who fled from police custody in Springs on Thursday morning.

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Police said Justin Cruz had been arrested on a possession of stolen property charge on Cedar Drive at about 8 a.m.

According to Detective Sgt. Chris Anderson, Cruz had been handcuffed and was put in the back of a squad car. Cruz was able to get his hands in front of his body and go through the window between the back of the police car and the front. He exited through an unlocked door and took off on foot.

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Cruz, is approximately 5'10 to 6'0 tall and 170-pounds. He was last seen wearing a white tank top, gray sweatshirt and sneakers.

Anderson said Cruz has family in East Hampton, but does not live here.

A Suffolk County Police Department helicopter and K-9 units from the State Troopers were brought in to help in the search.

Anyone with information regarding Cruz's whereabouts has been asked to contact the East Hampton Town Police Department at (631) 537-7575. All calls will remain confidential.


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