Police: Man Tried to Steal Running Vehicle with Two Children Inside At Brentwood Smoke Shop

BRENTWOOD, N.Y. — A Ronkonkoma man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after Suffolk County Police say he attempted to steal a running vehicle with two young children inside while it was parked outside a Brentwood smoke shop.

According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m. outside Bougatfa Zero smoke shop, located at 656 Suffolk Ave.

Investigators said a father had briefly entered the business while leaving his 2025 Volkswagen running with his two children, ages 6 and 5, still inside the vehicle. During that time, police say 23-year-old Mustafa Attia entered the Volkswagen and attempted to drive away.

Authorities said the father noticed Attia getting into the vehicle and immediately ran back outside along with a store employee in an effort to pull him from the car.

Police said Attia refused to exit the vehicle as multiple people called 911. Third Precinct officers arrived while Attia was still seated in the driver’s seat and removed him from the vehicle before placing him under arrest.

Attia was charged with Attempted Grand Larceny, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree.

He was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.