Two Arrested Following Road Rage Incident in East Meadow

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Two suspects, Anthony Beltran, 33, of Bethpage, and John Messina, 45, of North Bellmore, were apprehended without further incident. During the investigation, police recovered a loaded .25 caliber handgun, a switchblade, and a white powdery substance suspected to be cocaine.

EAST MEADOW, NY – Authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with a road rage incident that occurred on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 10:58 p.m. in East Meadow, New York. Nassau County Police First Squad reported the arrests after an aggressive encounter involving gunfire and subsequent discoveries of weapons and narcotics.

According to detectives, the incident began when a disturbance arose between two motorists traveling north on Prospect Avenue. A female driver operating a black Infiniti Q50 encountered a male driver in a red Cadillac sedan who aggressively changed lanes and fired approximately two shots from what appeared to be a handgun. The shooting occurred near Lancaster Street and Freeman Avenue before the suspect fled the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Following an investigation, officers located the red Cadillac parked in front of a 7-11 store at 525 Newbridge Road in East Meadow. Two suspects, Anthony Beltran, 33, of Bethpage, and John Messina, 45, of North Bellmore, were apprehended without further incident. During the investigation, police recovered a loaded .25 caliber handgun, a switchblade, and a white powdery substance suspected to be cocaine.

Charges Filed:

  • Anthony Beltran faces multiple charges, including:
    • Criminal Possession of a Weapon (2nd and 3rd Degrees)
    • Reckless Endangerment (1st Degree)
    • Menacing (2nd Degree)
    • Three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (7th Degree)
    • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (5th Degree)
    • Criminal Possession of Stolen Property (4th Degree)
  • John Messina is also facing similar charges, including:
    • Criminal Possession of a Weapon (2nd and 3rd Degrees)
    • Reckless Endangerment (1st Degree)
    • Menacing (2nd Degree)
    • Five counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (7th Degree)
    • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (5th Degree)
    • Criminal Possession of Stolen Property (4th Degree)

Both suspects were scheduled for arraignment on Monday, November 18, 2024, at First District Court in Hempstead.

Local authorities urge drivers to avoid engaging in disputes on the road and report aggressive behavior immediately.

Important: This story is categorized as a crime story and thus it is important to note that charges are accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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