Sergeants injured in pot bust

Two brothers from Riverhead were nabbed on marijuana charges Saturday night in Hampton Bays, with one of them allegedly assaulting two police sergeants as he tried to flee the scene in handcuffs, officials said.

Southampton Police officers were at the hamlet’s train station investigating a robbery report about midnight when they spotted William McFarland, 29, and his brother, Rick McFarland, 22, both of Nadel Drive in Riverhead, as well as William Walker, 29, of Bridgehampton, smoking marijuana, authorities said.

When they attempted to arrest the men, William McFarland, whom police described as 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, assaulted two police sergeants, both of whom suffered injuries, while trying to flee, police said. One of the sergeants suffered broken fingers and lacerations and the other injured a hand and knee, officials said.

Mr. Walker, who was in handcuffs, was able to escape briefly by jumping off the train station platform, but he was caught after a short chase and struggle, police said.

Rick McFarland did not attempt to escape, according to police, who said he was charged only with criminal possession of marijuana.

William McFarland was charged with assault, criminal possession of marijuana, obstructing government administration and resisting arrest. He was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment of lacerations sustained in the struggle, according to police. William Walker was charged with criminal possession of marijuana, obstructing government administration, resisting arrest and third-degree escape.

TIM GANNON