A Wantagh man has been arrested for DWI, assault and criminal contempt after he was allegedly involved in an altercation with a woman.
On May 20 at 7:30 p.m., the female victim, 62, had a verbal argument with Joseph Anderson, 61, about him being intoxicated and violating an active Order of Protection. The victim attempted to call 911 but Anderson allegedly removed the phone from her hand, preventing the call from going through. The victim observed a bottle that she believed was vodka and the argument escalated, which became physical. Anderson allegedly placed his hands around the victim’s throat and squeezed until it became difficult for her to breathe. The victim was allegedly pushed to the ground before the subject allegedly approached her from the rear and placed his forearm across her throat, making it difficult for her to breathe. During the altercation, Anderson allegedly made violent threats, causing the victim to fear for her safety. He allegedly fled the scene in a gray 2006 Jeep Cherokee.
Officers responded and were interviewing the victim when Anderson was allegedly observed driving in the area. Officers canvassed the area and observed Anderson’s vehicle parked. Anderson exited his vehicle and allegedly approached officers with a pipe in his hands and over his head. Officers placed their RMP in reverse, creating a distance. Anderson allegedly entered his vehicle and accelerated in an unsafe manner, striking the officer’s vehicle in the front and driver’s side. Officers activated their emergency lights and attempted to conduct a Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) stop, but Anderson allegedly proceeded to travel eastbound on Sunrise Highway. Officers successfully initiated a VTL stop on the northbound entrance ramp of the South Oyster Bay Expressway (Route 135). Anderson was placed into custody.
Two officers were involved in an auto accident while responding to assist. They were transported to area hospitals for evaluation and treatment. The officer operating the patrol car, which Anderson struck, was also removed to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Police charged Anderson with first-degree criminal contempt, second-degree criminal contempt, second-degree assault, third-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree criminal mischief, criminal obstruction of breathing, three counts of second-degree menacing and first-degree driving while intoxicated. He will be arraigned once he is out of the hospital.