Shirley man charged in relation to 6 Wading River car break-ins

A Shirley man has been arrested and is being held at Suffolk County Jail in relation to a string of car break-ins in the Wading River area in recent weeks.

According to Riverhead Police, 34-year-old Karl Wittig was originally arrested last Thursday, Feb. 18. Police had received called about several larcenies and while conducting an investigation in the area, it was reported that a man was seen “running through resident’s yards and last seen running across a farm field located in the area of Sunwood Drive.”

Police later located a man matching the description and after a foot pursuit, tracked him down in Calverton Meadows.

The man was found to have an active Suffolk County warrant, was placed under arrest at the time and while he was in custody, allegedly was found to be possession of stolen property from an earlier larceny.

At the time, he was charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree and was arraigned.

Today, police levied five more of the same charges against him.

According to Lt. Sean Egan, more foot work was required by police in order to add on the charges — such as obtaining affidavits — however he declined to comment further pending the open court case.

Police said “the community played an important role in assisting the Riverhead Police Department by reporting the suspicious activity of the unknown male running through the area.” They also reminded the public of a classic crime deterrent: “If you see something, say something.”

Mr. Wittig was arraigned this morning and is being held at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility.