Lakeview Man Arrested for Gun Possession, DWI

A Lakeview man was picked up by Nassau County Police early Sunday morning on Woodfield Road in West Hempstead.

Wilder V. Merelan, 24, of Lakeview, faces Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Resisting Arrest, and Driving While Intoxicated, among other charges.

A Fifth Squad officer observed an unoccupied vehicle parked outside the business, which is located at 688 Woodfield Road, around 5:15am on Jan. 23. The car's engine was running, the lights were on, music was playing and one of the doors was open. The cop observed a man inside the business, who was later identified as Merelan, but they say he denied ownership of the vehicle. An investigation soon determined that Merelan did operate the car under the influence of alcohol.

The cops also found a black loaded handgun on the seat of the vehicle. As officers proceeded to arrest Merelan, he put up a struggle but they were able to bring him into custody.

He is being charged with three counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Resisting Arrest, Driving While Intoxicated, two counts of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Unlicensed Operation, Loud Amplification System. He will be arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Monday.