Rest in Pieces: Homeless Tomb Trasher Busted

Suffolk County Police arrested a man accused of turning a quiet Huntington cemetery into a chaotic crime scene, allegedly toppling a tombstone, pelting passing vehicles with rocks and fighting officers before he was finally subdued.

Police said the disturbance unfolded outside Huntington Rural Cemetery, 555 New York Avenue.

Investigators allege Michael Laraque stood near the cemetery entrance throwing rocks into traffic, striking three passing vehicles and shattering a window at Laura’s Dance Studio, located at 586 New York Ave.

When responding officers arrived, police said Laraque fled on foot into the cemetery instead of surrendering.

Detectives stated the suspect knocked over and damaged a tombstone before confronting the two officers. A struggle followed, and officers eventually took him into custody after what police described as a fight inside the cemetery grounds.

Laraque, 31, who police identified as undomiciled, also known as homeless, was charged with first-degree cemetery desecration, second-degree menacing, five counts of third-degree criminal mischief and two counts of second-degree assault.

Following his arrest, Laraque was transported to Huntington Hospital for evaluation.

Police said he will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.

Authorities have not released estimates for the damage caused to the vehicles, the dance studio window or the damaged gravesite.

Second Squad detectives continue investigating the incident and are asking anyone who witnessed the disturbance or has additional information to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Second Squad at 631-854-8252.

Police did not disclose a motive, and no additional injuries were reported beyond the two officers allegedly assaulted during the confrontation. The investigation remains active.