Three Salvadoran Nationals Arrested with Molotov Cocktails in Long Island

Trio charged after traffic stop uncovered homemade incendiary devices in their vehicle

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:52pm

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Three Salvadoran nationals were arrested early Tuesday morning in Central Islip, New York after Suffolk County police discovered two Molotov cocktails in their 2008 Honda Accord during a traffic stop. The three suspects - Lorenzo Alvarado-Navarrete, 18, Elvis Romero-Martinez, 20, and Albert Yanes-Moran, 20 - were charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Romero-Martinez, the driver, also received multiple traffic citations.

Why it matters

The discovery of Molotov cocktails, which are often used as improvised incendiary weapons during civil unrest, raises concerns about public safety and the potential for violence, even if the incident was determined to be non-terrorism related. Long Island has seen a rise in gang activity and violent crime in recent years, making this a concerning development.

The details

According to police, officers spotted the Honda Accord driving erratically shortly before 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday and pulled the vehicle over on Lexington Avenue in Central Islip. Upon searching the car, they discovered two Molotov cocktails inside. All three occupants, who are Salvadoran nationals, were arrested and charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

  • The traffic stop occurred shortly before 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
  • The three suspects are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Lorenzo Alvarado-Navarrete

An 18-year-old Salvadoran national arrested and charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Elvis Romero-Martinez

A 20-year-old Salvadoran national who was the driver of the vehicle and was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon as well as multiple traffic violations.

Albert Yanes-Moran

A 20-year-old Salvadoran national arrested and charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Suffolk County Police Department

The law enforcement agency that conducted the traffic stop and made the arrests.

Ray Tierney

The Suffolk County District Attorney who stated the alleged conduct will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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What they’re saying

“Thanks to the great work of the Suffolk County police officers, these Molotov cocktails were discovered and neutralized before anyone could be hurt.”

— Ray Tierney, Suffolk County District Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on Wednesday whether to allow the three suspects to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing concerns about public safety and the potential for violence, even if the specific circumstances do not appear to be terrorism-related. It underscores the need for vigilant law enforcement and close monitoring of any activities involving improvised incendiary devices.