According to detectives, the defendant, Joseph Magistro of Wantagh, 33, became enraged with his neighbors over an ongoing dispute and approached the front of their house with a black colored shotgun in his hands, as he threw barbells into the windows shattering the glass.  Defendant Magistro proceeded to also break a window in the back of the house as he screamed and verbally threatened to cause physical injury to the victims by using the shotgun.

 

The victims, a female, 62, and a male, 17, while being confronted by the defendant, both retreated back inside the house after going outside to investigate. Both victims who were placed in fear of their safety remained inside while they called police. 

 

Upon police arrival, a subsequent investigation was conducted and Magistro was placed under arrest without further incident. The defendant Magistro was medically treated at the scene for a laceration to his hand and transported to a local hospital for treatment and evaluation. No other injuries were reported.

 

Defendant Joseph Magistro is being charged with 2 (two) counts of Menacing 2rd Degree, 2 (two) counts of Aggravated Harassment 2nd Degree, Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree, and Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree. He was arraigned in First District Court, Hempstead.

 

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.