Police stories in 2012 went beyond thefts and violent crimes. From an officer accused of official misconduct to a man who allegedly faked his own death, we saw quite a few unusual incidents this year.
Here's a look at our top police stories of 2012:
Missing Swimmer: When Massapequa resident Raymond Roth was reported missing on Jones Beach July 28, it set off a massive search by law enforcement. Weeks later, Roth and his son Jon were under arrest for allegedly faking his drowning death.
Officer Indicted: Nassau County police officer Michael Tedesco found himself on the wrong side of the law in 2012. The former 7th precinct officer was indicted in December for allegedly carrying on an affair with a Massapequa woman and another woman, while he claimed to be on duty.
Rusty Torres: Former Yankee Rusty Torres appeared to be one of Massapequa's upstanding citizens. He worked tirelessly teaching baseball to area youths, all around the Town of Oyster Bay. So his arrest on sexual abuse charges was one of the most shocking stories of 2012.
Heroin Sweep: A federal sweep of a heroin ring netted 20 arrests including a woman who allegedly sold the drug in the parking lot of the Corner Galley restaurant in Massapequa.
Foot Spa: A series of arrests at a Massapequa foot spa, including one for prostitution led to the closing of the business.
Dunk Bus Driver: A school bus driver from Massapequa Park was allegedly drunk when he slammed the vehicle into a Syosset home.
Carmans Plaza Problems: The Carmans Plaza Shopping center had more than their share of problems in 2012. In September, a Massapequa man was charged with allegedly leaving his 2-year-old daughterunattended at the strip mall. Days later, police said a man stabbed his ex-girlfriend before stabbing himself in the Carmans Plaza parking lot. In December there was a bomb scare at the Department of Motor Vehicles at the shopping.
School Threat: A Massapequa High School student was arrested after police said he made terror threats against the school.
Southern State Arrest: Months after a Nassau County Police officer seriously injured in on the Southern state Parkway following a chase that began in Massapequa, police arrested an Amityville man in the case.
Remembering Arthur Lopez: Nassau County Police lost a hero when Officer Arthur Lopez was gunned down in October. Massapequa School Board member Joseph LaBella knew he was special before he even became a cop.
