Full Breakdown
Long Island Auto Theft Crew Indicted After 17-Day Crime Spree
2/28/2026, 1:50:08 AM
Overview of the Crime Spree
A group of nine men, some with known affiliations to the Bloods gang, has been indicted on 38 charges following a 17-day crime spree that spanned Long Island, New York City, Westchester, Dutchess counties, and even parts of Florida. The alleged offenses include ten auto shop burglaries, three armed robberies, a home invasion, and multiple vehicle thefts occurring between July and August of last year. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney described the crew's actions as a "mobile smash-and-grab unit," targeting auto-body shops for cash, blank checks, keys, and license plates.
Sequence of Events
The crime spree commenced in July when the crew reportedly drove a stolen BMW M3 from Suffolk County to Westchester, where they burglarized three auto-body shops in one night, stealing hundreds of dollars and approximately 200 blank checks. Shortly thereafter, two members of the crew stole a Chevrolet Suburban from a business in Hyde Park, which they used to burglarize another shop in Poughkeepsie, resulting in the theft of 48 sets of New York State license plates and a safe containing $5,000 in cash.
During their activities, the crew traveled to Florida between July 27 and July 29 to acquire firearms, which they used to escalate their crimes upon returning to New York. They executed a home invasion at an Amityville apartment complex, stealing keys to a Porsche SUV and several thousand dollars in cash. The Porsche was later abandoned in Queens.
Escalation and Arrest
The crew's criminal activities intensified as they executed a series of additional burglaries and carjackings, culminating in a gunpoint home invasion in Bay Shore on August 4. During this incident, five crew members allegedly terrorized a woman at gunpoint, stealing approximately $4,700 in cash. Law enforcement apprehended two of the suspects at the scene, one of whom, Leny Cruz, was found with a loaded handgun, cash, and the key fob to the stolen Dodge Charger obtained in Florida.
Legal Consequences
The nine individuals indicted include Leny Cruz, Edward Nunez, Noel Santelises, Harvin Parra, Jose Ramos, Carlos Benitez-Montoya, Justin Kenny, Savion Jones, and Robert Salters. Several face serious charges, including Robbery in the First Degree, which could result in sentences of up to 25 years in prison if convicted. The alleged crime ring is linked to nearly 20 separate offenses across multiple jurisdictions within a span of just over two weeks.
Official Statements
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney emphasized the alarming escalation of criminality during this brief period, highlighting the crew's organized and brazen approach to their crimes.
Criticism & Opposition
While the authorities have praised the swift action leading to the arrests, some community members have expressed concerns about the safety implications of such a crime spree and the potential for similar incidents in the future.
Verbatim Quotes
“The escalation of criminality alleged in such a short period of time — is staggering,” — Ray Tierney, Suffolk County District Attorney
What's Next
The legal proceedings against the indicted individuals are expected to unfold in the coming months, with significant implications for public safety and law enforcement strategies in the region.
