Armonk 38-Year-Old Charged With Attempted Murder Of Police Officer

ARMONK, NY — Westchester County police have charged a North Castle man with aggravated attempted murder of a police officer in the attack on a police officer in his home on May 20, police officials said.

Joseph Spennato, of Armonk, was arraigned Tuesday evening at Westchester Medical Center, where he has been hospitalized since he was shot by North Castle police during the attack on the officer, officials said. He is accused of using a 5-inch folding knife to try to stab one of the officers when they attempted to place him under arrest at his home on Hallock Place.

North Castle police said that their two officers, Sgt. William McClure and Police Officer Chris Costa, initially went to Spennato’s home at 12:26 p.m. to assist a 78-year-old woman who needed medical care. While at the residence, the officers encountered Spennato and knew that there were two bench warrants for his arrest.

When the officers attempted to take the 38-year-old into custody, he grabbed a knife and attempted to stab McClure, who was wearing a ballistic vest, multiple times in the back, according to police. He was then shot two times by Costa.

Westchester County Police were requested to take over the investigation, which it conducted along with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Spennato was ordered held without bail at arraignment and will be remanded to Westchester County Jail upon his release from the hospital.

SEE ALSO: Police Shoot Man At Armonk Home After He Attacks Cop With Knife: NCPD