Inwood burglar caught red-handed

A would-be robber got more than he hoped for when he was caught in the act of burglarizing an Inwood home.

Last Thursday night at 10:10 p.m., a female resident of a home on Wanser Avenue found a man in her bedroom, according to police. The resident allegedly screamed causing the subject, later identified as Anthony Ward, 50, to flee out a window with a pocketbook and wallet.

Fourth Precinct police officers responded to the scene of the crime and saw Ward running southbound on Jeanette Avenue, then eastbound on Morris Avenue, where an officer attempted to apprehend him. According to detectives, the subject allegedly punched the officer in the face, knocking him to the ground and continued running. Continuing in the foot pursuit, the officer was able to catch the subject again, at which time a struggle ensued. Ward then allegedly grabbed for the officer’s weapon, attempting to pull it out of the holster, police said. As the officer tried to prevent the subject from gaining control of his weapon, he was allegedly bit by Ward. Police said the subject continued to punch the arresting officer and fought with other officers who arrived to help take the assailant into custody.

Four officers were injured during the arrest and were transported to Nassau University Medical Center where they were treated and released. All proceeds were recovered and returned to the Wanser Avenue resident.

Ward was arrested and charged with robbery, burglary, criminal possession of a weapon, four counts of assault and resisting arrest. He was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead.