Police: Man Tussles with Officer in Wantagh During Arrest

Nassau County detectives charged a North Babylon man with assault and possession of illegal drugs following a struggle with a police officer on Beverly Road in Wantagh Thursday morning. 

According to detectives, around 12:04 a.m., Detrick Stewart, 40, of North Babylon, was observed operating a 1993 Acura southbound on Beverly Road in Wantagh with a fractured windshield. The vehicle was stopped by police and Stewart was observed reaching under the driver's seat.

Stewart was removed from the vehicle and instructed to remove his hands from his jacket pockets. However, he instead attempted to reach for his right pocket, police said.

According to police, a struggle ensued and both Stewart and the officer fell to the ground. Stewart attempted to kick the officer, but was eventually placed into custody. A knife was recovered from Stewart’s pocket.

The officer sustained a laceration to his hand and a contusion to his knee. He was removed to a local hospital and was treated and released for his injuries.

According to police, during a search of the vehicle, officers recovered bags containing what appeared to be cocaine and crack cocaine, along with numerous pills believed to be Oxycodone.

Stewart is charged with second-degree assault, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, resisting arrest and operating a vehicle with a fractured windshield. He is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Friday.