Authorities: Nassau County police officer attacked by 2 men, pit bull in East Rockaway

Authorities say the officer responded to Robert Battaglia’s home at 12 Maxwell St. on Friday evening. Battaglia failed to secure his dog and it ran outside.

News 12 Staff

Apr 20, 2024, 4:18 PM

Updated 13 days ago

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Two East Rockaway men are facing charges after authorities say the two attacked a Nassau County police officer during an incident involving a pit bull at their home.
Nassau County police say the officer shot at the pit bull that was attacking him outside 12 Maxwell St. on Friday night.
Authorities say the officer was responding to a disturbance call at the home when the dog ran outside and bit his leg. Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder says the officer fired two rounds and missed.
Authorities say the dog's owner, Robert Battaglia and his roommate Stephen Seal approached the officer's vehicle and began to fight with him.
"Mr. Battaglia opened the passenger door, reached inside and started to fight with the officer. He then tried to take the officer's bag from the front seat. There was a struggle to keep possession of the bag. The officer was able to put the car in drive, breaking loose of the defendant," Ryder explained.
Animal Control workers removed the animal from the home.
Seal is charged with menacing, criminal mischief and obstructing governmental administration.
Battaglia is charged with two counts of assault, attempted robbery as well as other charges.


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