Suffolk Police Officer Lauded For Actions During Violent Struggle

BABYLON, NY—A Suffolk County police officer from the First Precinct was recognized for his actions during a Babylon altercation, resulting in his injury and the arrest of a man with a loaded handgun. A news conference was held at the West Babylon precinct to thank Lucas McDonald for his service on Tuesday during what became a dangerous situation.

That morning, McDonald approached a man by the Long Island Rail Road station who was urinating to issue a summons. The man, Iver Whittingham of Bellport, reportedly reached for a fanny pack, and when McDonald frisked him, he found a loaded handgun.

McDonald threw the gun out of reach and physically wrestled Whittingham who was refusing to comply, according to the Suffolk County Police Department. Ultimately, after unsuccessfully tasering Whittingham, McDonald was assisted by onlookers in arresting the 49-year-old, who was arrested in 2018 for felony gun possession.

McDonald was treated for a shoulder injury.

Bellone, Suffolk County Police Acting Commissioner Stuart Cameron, District Attorney Timothy Sini and other police officials were on hand on Tuesday morning to congratulate the officer.

"While it seemed like a routine situation at first that would result in the issuance of a minor summons, in reality the situation was far more dangerous," Bellone said.

Wittingham was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree, Assault 2nd Degree, Attempted Grand Larceny 4th Degree and Resisting Arrest.

Ray Tierney, a Republican running for Suffolk District Attorney against Sini, used the police press conference as an opportunity to call for stricter sentencing, saying that while McDonald's actions were heroic, Wittingham's previous arrest should not have resulted in a misdemeanor.