Haverstraw man arrested for head-butting cop, injuring EMT

WEST NYACK – A Haverstraw man now faces a slew of charges after he allegedly physically attacked a police officer and an EMT while intoxicated and out-of-control.

Daniel McCormack, 31, was arrested last night and charged with third-degree assault, second-degree obstructing government administration and resisting arrest, all misdemeanors and third-degree assault, a felony. He was also slapped with disorderly conduct and second-degree harassment, both violations.

The incident began at around 6 p.m. when Clarkstown Police were notified of an intoxicated, disorderly male on the fourth floor of the Palisades Center Mall. When police confronted the suspect, McCormack became combative and allegedly head-butted an officer who attempted to restrain him.

McCormack was eventually subdued, placed under arrest and brought to Clarkstown Police’s lockup, where further attempts were made to bring the suspect under control with pepper spray. However, when police could not adequately prevent the suspect from potentially harming himself, it was decided he had to be hospitalized.

The second attack came when McCormack was restrained in a New City Volunteer ambulance bound for Nyack Hospital. During the trip, the suspect allegedly grabbed a 35-year old female EMT and tried to bend her hand and fingers back at an odd angle, injuring the woman. A police officer in the vehicle was able to stop the suspect from inflicting any more damage and restrain him until they reached Nyack, where both McCormack and the EMT received treatment.

The EMT was released later that night, while the head-butted officer sustained no serious injury and was not hospitalized. McCormack was later moved back into police custody and arraigned in Clarkstown Justice Court. His bail was set at $50,000.