Officers chase man in Valley Stream

Police arrested a 20-year-old Queens man who they say choked his girlfriend’s father, then led officers on a high speed chase through Valley Stream Monday night.

According to police, Michael Hickey, of Shorefront Parkway in Rockaway Park, was arguing with his girlfriend at her home on Birch Lane at 8:20 p.m. about a photo she posted on Facebook. After the argument escalated, the girlfriend’s father asked Hickey to leave. That’s when, police say, Hickey put the father into a choke hold, causing the victim substantial pain to his neck.

Hickey then went to his vehicle, a green Ford Mustang, took out a tire iron and threatened the father, according to police. He got in his car and fled at a high rate of speed as officers chased him and attempted to pull him over. Police say Hickey fled northbound on Mill Road, running four red lights and almost striking several vehicles traveling on Sunrise Highway. On Central Avenue, Hickey proceeded to drive into oncoming traffic, according to police, running several vehicles off the road. He eventually crashed into two other vehicles, ending the chase just north of Merrick Road.

Police estimate that Hickey was traveling at speeds up to 75 mph. The posted speed limit on Mill Road and Central Avenue is 30 mph. Additionally, police say, Hickey’s 13-year-old brother was in the car with him.

Hickey was charged with third-degree assault, second-degree menacing, fourth-degree possession of a dangerous weapon, unlawful fleeing of a police officer, reckless driving, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and numerous traffic violations.