The Associated Press
Wantagh, N.Y. (AP) -- A Long Island man assaulted an off-duty New York City police officer, stole her service gun and fired it five times into the air before throwing it at her head, authorities said.
Michael Benedetto, 35, of Levittown, was arrested Sunday morning for assault, robbery and reckless endangerment, Nassau County police said.
Benedetto allegedly was arguing with the 24-year old New York Police Department officer at his home when the row turned physical. He ripped a chain from the woman’s neck, pushed her down a flight of stairs when she tried to escape and choked her in a parking lot, police said.
Benedetto then stole the woman’s pocketbook, which had her handgun in it, took the gun out and fired shots into the air until it jammed, police said. He then allegedly threw the gun at the woman, hitting her in the forehead.
The woman called for police, who arrested Benedetto.
Benedetto, who was in police custody, was to be arraigned late Sunday.
The woman police officer, whose identity was not disclosed, was treated at a hospital and was released.