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Man caught trying to break into gate: DA

ELMHURST — A 39-year-old Elmhurst man was arrested after he allegedly attempted to break into a gate in front of an Elmhurst delicatessen with a crowbar, the Queens district attorney said.

Frank Derkac, of 84-41 56th Ave. in Elmhurst, was arraigned Dec. 11 before Queens Criminal Court Judge Suzanne Melendez on charges of attempted burglary, possession of burglar’s tools, criminal mischief and criminal possession of a weapon, Queens DA Richard Brown said. The defendant, held on $5,000 bail, will return to court Jan. 6, the DA said.

On Dec. 10, Derkac allegedly was witnessed trying to break a lock on a metal gate with a crowbar at a deli on 57th Avenue, Brown said. The defendant is alleged to have left the scene, returned with a larger crowbar and attempted to once again manipulate the lock, the DA said.

Police allegedly recovered a flashlight, two crowbars and a gravity knife from the defendant.