2 Charged After Physical Altercation With Officer: PD

EAST ROCKAWAY, NY — Two men were arrested and charged after an assault involving an officer in East Rockaway Friday night, police said.

According to Nassau County police, the incident took place at 7 p.m. when an officer responded to a disturbance call on Maxwell Street. After speaking to Robert Battaglia, 25, outside his residence, Battaglia went back inside the home and failed to secure his dog while entering, police said.

The pit bull ran out of the residence and attacked the responding officer, biting his right leg, police said.

To protect himself, the officer discharged two rounds from his service weapon at the dog; both rounds struck the ground, police said.

The officer went to his marked patrol vehicle and was followed by Battaglia and his roommate, Stephen Seal, 34; both were yelling at the officer, police said.

When the officer was in his police vehicle, Battaglia opened the passenger door, entered the car, and a physical altercation ensued, authorities said. During the altercation, Battaglia attempted to take equipment from the police vehicle, officials said. The officer sustained a right shoulder injury as a result of the altercation, police said. After gaining control, officers placed the two men under arrest, police said.

Battaglia was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree assault; second-degree attempted robbery; and third-degree menacing, and second-degree obstructing governmental administration, police said.

Seal was arrested and charged with third-degree menacing; second-degree obstructing governmental administration; and second-degree criminal mischief, police said.

Seal was also found to be responsible for a criminal mischief incident that occurred on August 22 in East Rockaway Village Hall, police said.

They were both slated for arraignment on Saturday at First District Court in Hempstead, police said.