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Police: L.I. Man Burglarizes Home, Kills Cat After Crashing Car

OYSTER BAY COVE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Suffolk County man facing a series of charges in connection with a crime spree that started with a car crash and ended in the death of a cat is due in court Thursday, Nassau County police said.

Nicholas Patrikis, 23, lost control of a 2000 Jeep Wrangler that he took from his housekeeper, crashing into a snow bank and fence in Oyster Bay Cove around 11 a.m. Wednesday, police said.

He then scaled a fence, broke into an unoccupied house, ransacked several rooms and stole jewelry, police said.

Police: L.I. Man Faces Host Of Charges After Crashing Car, Burglarizing Home, Killing Cat And Menacing Drivers

Before leaving the home, Patrikis killed the family's cat, police said.

The homeowner doesn't want to be identified of speak on-camera, telling TV 10/55's Richard Rose he doesn't want to hinder the police investigation. However, he did show TV 10/55 the damage inside.

Furniture was trashed and hurled across several rooms and you blood was still visible Thursday night.

"[He] caused the death of the victim's cat by bludgeoning it to death," Nassau County Inspector Kenneth Lack said.

The Huntington man then grabbed a kitchen knife, went outside and began menacing motorists on Cove Road, police said.

Police: Huntington Man Faces Series Of Charges After Crime Spree

"Then he came back into the middle of the street and started flagging people down, trying to rob the people while they're driving their car, thinking they could help him. Turns out he had a knife and he was trying to get their car away from and they would drive away," neighbor Katrina Tumminello said.

Patrikis was arrested after forcing his way onto a school bus and robbing two Oyster Bay High School students, 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reported.

"Sits down with the kids on the bus, starts arguing with them.  He forcibly takes a backpack and a Nintendo DS," Lack told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall.

Police: L.I. Man Burglarizes Home, Kills Cat After Crashing Car

Patrikis is charged with burglary, robbery, criminal mischief, aggravated cruelty to animals, menacing, possession of a dangerous weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and resisting arrest.

Patrikis pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Thursday at First District Court in Hempstead.

A judge set bail at $100,000 bond or $50,000 cash. He is due back in court on Monday.

His lawyer told reporters Patrikis needs psychiatric help.

Police say Patrikis has one prior arrest last year for possession of marijuana.

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