Armonk Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Assault on Police Officer

Joseph Spennato faces 11 years in prison for attacking officer with knife.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:22am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police officer's damaged ballistic vest, showing the impact of a knife attack, captured in a harsh, gritty, investigative style.A damaged police vest serves as a stark reminder of the dangers officers face when responding to calls.White Plains Today

A 39-year-old Armonk man has pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated assault on a police officer as a felony after he attacked a North Castle police sergeant with a knife during a call for a medical emergency in May 2024. The incident was captured on the officer's body camera.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks and dangers that police officers face when responding to routine calls, as well as the potential consequences for individuals who choose to violently resist arrest, even when officers are simply trying to provide medical assistance.

The details

According to the details, on May 20, 2024, North Castle police responded to a call to assist a 78-year-old woman on Hallock Place in Armonk who needed medical care. At the scene, officers became aware that Joseph Spennato, who had two outstanding bench warrants, was also in the home. When they attempted to arrest Spennato, he attacked Sgt. William McClue, attempting to stab him several times in the back with a knife, striking his ballistic vest. Officer Chris Costa then used his duty pistol to fire two shots, hitting Spennato twice. Spennato was taken to the hospital for treatment.

  • On May 20, 2024, North Castle police responded to a call for medical assistance.
  • Spennato attacked Sgt. McClue with a knife during the attempted arrest.
  • Officer Costa fired two shots, hitting Spennato, on May 20, 2024.

The players

Joseph Spennato

A 39-year-old Armonk man who pled guilty to attempted aggravated assault on a police officer as a felony.

Sgt. William McClue

A North Castle police sergeant who was attacked by Spennato with a knife.

Officer Chris Costa

A North Castle police officer who fired two shots, hitting Spennato, during the incident.

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What’s next

Spennato is scheduled to be sentenced in May and faces 11 years in prison.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable and potentially violent situations that police officers can encounter, even when responding to seemingly routine calls for assistance. It underscores the importance of de-escalation training and the need for continued efforts to improve police-community relations and promote non-violent conflict resolution.