Astoria hit-and-run, robbery suspect arrested

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Police have made an arrest in a hit and run that left an NYPD officer injured in Queens last month.

Authorities say 61-year-old Gary Sarback struck the officer with a stolen pickup truck in Astoria on August 22, just hours after snatching a woman's pocketbook.

The incident began when two police officers attempted to pull over a vehicle with Florida plates because it matched the description of a pickup truck used in the robbery of a woman in East Elmhurst earlier in the day.

The vehicle in that robbery was stolen in Florida where the suspect resides.

Sarback reportedly refused to stop, and clipped the officer on Broadway and Crescent Street.

Other officers responded by firing their weapons. The suspect then crashed the truck a few blocks away and fled on foot.

The Queensboro Bridge was shut down briefly as cops canvassed the area.

The officer suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Sarback was identified by a cell phone that was left at the scene.

He was caught Monday after officers spotted him as he walked into an eyeglass store at 31st Avenue and Steinway Street.

He was taken into custody without incident, and charges are pending.

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