Crimes Nearby: Man Dies After Struggle With Police

Suffolk County Police are continuing their investigation into the death of a man who died after a struggle with police.

According to police, officers from the Seventh Precinct were called to Maryhaven Center of Hope in Middle Island on Wednesday after a resident became uncontrollable and violent.

Employees at Maryhaven wanted the resident, Dainell Simmons, 29, to be taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for a psychiatric emergency.

Police said when officers arrived, Simmons fought with police who deployed a taser and pepper spray. During the struggle, Simmons became unresponsive and was taken to Mather Memorial Hospital in Port Jefferson, where he died.

Several police officers were treated and released from various hospitals for injuries sustained during the struggle.

An autopsy on Simmons was scheduled to be performed by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner.

• Assault Suspect Sought

Suffolk Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying and locating a person they said assaulted a man and fired shots in Center Moriches in June.

According to police, two men were walking on Cynthia Lane on June 28 at 10 p.m. when they asked a passing motorist for directions. The motorist exited his vehicle, struck one of the men in the head with a handgun and then fired shots.

The man was described as black or Hispanic with a medium complexion, 5 foot 7 inches to 5 foot 8 inches tall and was wearing a blue shirt with the sleeves cut off. He was driving a white, four-door vehicle.

• Chinese Restaurant Burglarized

Suffolk Police are seeking to locate the individual(s) they said burglarized a Chinese food restaurant in Shirley.

According to police, Oriental Kitchens, at 451 Glen Drive, was burglarized sometime between June 4 and June 5. The suspect(s) broke the front glass door and removed the cash register.

• Items Stole From Sephora

Suffolk Police are looking to locate three woman they said stole items from Sephora at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove.

According to police, the women entered Sephora on June 22 at 10:45 a.m. and stole various cosmetic products. Police said the women concealed assorted items in their purses before existing the store without paying.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.