The Fourth Squad reports the details of an Assault arrest that occurred on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in East Rockaway.
According to detectives, an officer responded to a disturbance call at 12 Maxwell Street. After speaking to defendant Robert Battaglia, 25, outside of his residence, the defendant went back inside the home and failed to secure his Pitbull while entering. The Pitbull ran out of the residence and attacked the responding officer, biting his right leg.
To protect himself, the officer discharged two rounds from his service weapon at the Pitbull which both rounds struck the ground. The officer responded to his marked patrol vehicle and was followed by defendant Battaglia and his roommate defendant Stephen Seal, 34, both yelling at the officer. While in his vehicle, defendant Battaglia opened the passenger door, entered the patrol vehicle and a physical altercation began between the defendant and the officer. During the altercation defendant Battaglia attempted to take equipment from the police vehicle. The officer sustained a right shoulder injury as a result of the altercation. After gaining control, officers placed the two defendants under arrest.
Defendant Seal was also found to be responsible for a Criminal Mischief that occurred on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, East Rockaway Village Hall located at 376 Atlantic Avenue.
Defendant Stephen Seal is charged with Menacing 3rd degree, Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd degree and Criminal Mischief 2nd degree. Defendant Battaglia is being charged with two counts of Assault 2nd degree, Attempted Robbery 2nd degree, Menacing 3rd degree and Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd degree. They will both be arraigned on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.