A Valley Stream man is facing multiple charges after police say he targeted women with his bicycle in a local park and later injured an officer during his arrest.
According to Nassau County police, the incidents began on April 12 at approximately 10 a.m. at Arthur J. Hendrickson Park on West Merrick Road. A 45-year-old woman was roller skating when a man on a bicycle allegedly swerved toward her in an aggressive manner, causing both individuals to fall to the ground. The woman reported fearing for her safety and contacted police.
Authorities said the same woman returned to the park on April 18 around 10:50 a.m. and again observed the suspect, this time allegedly swerving his bicycle toward two elderly women. She called 911, and the suspect fled the scene on his bicycle.
Police said officers located the suspect, identified as Matthew Nunez, 21, at his residence and placed him under arrest. During a search, officers reportedly recovered a switchblade knife.
While Nunez was being secured in a patrol vehicle, police said he became combative and allegedly head-butted an officer. The officer sustained a head contusion and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Nunez has been charged with assault to a police officer, reckless endangerment in the second degree, resisting arrest, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, and criminal trespass in the third degree. He is scheduled to be arraigned on April 19 at First District Court in Hempstead.
The charges are allegations, and Nunez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Photo: NCPD
