Cops: Teen Swiped 3 Idling Cars as They Warmed Up

A 16-year-old was charged with stealing three idling cars from driveways and garages in West Hempstead within two hours, according to Nassau County Police.

Detectives said Jordan Jackson, 16, of Uniondale, stole three cars that residents left unattended in driveways to warm up in the snow. The incidents happened between 5:15 a.m. and 6:44 a.m. Thursday.

At 5:15 a.m. Thursday, a 64-year-old man started his Toyota in the driveway and went inside to get his things while the car warmed up. When he got back, the car was fleeing north on Juliet Road. 

At 6:32 a.m., a 36-year-old woman warmed up her Honda and went back inside her Glen Road home, returning to find the car gone.

Finally, at 6:44 a.m. a 53-year-old woman on Woodfield Road warmed up a Mercedes Benz in her garage with the door open, and returned to find it gone.

None of the victims saw the person driving their car away and were unable to give descriptions.

On Saturday, Hempstead patrols saw Jackson driving the missing Toyota and placed him under arrest, police reported. Further investigation led them to to the Mercedes Benz and a fourth car that had been stolen in Hempstead, cops said.

The Honda has not yet been recovered.

Jackson is charged with second-degree burglary, three counts of third-degree grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and multiple vehicle and traffic law violations. He will be arraigned Sunday at First District Court in Hempstead.