Cops: Man arrested for assaulting officers in East Meadow

A Cambria Heights man is facing assault charges after getting into a physical altercation with police officers on Dec. 18 at 4:30 a.m. outside of Starbucks on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow, according to a police report.

Police responded to a call about a “suspicious” person looking into vehicles. On arrival, officers said, Gregory Hooks, 29, was allegedly exiting a white Jeep that had its alarm sounding.

Hooks threatened the officers and refused to comply with their demands, police said. He grew “aggressive” and officers used a taser and pepper spray on him before taking him into custody.

Three officers and Hooks were sent to a local hospital for evaluation and to treat their injuries.

Hooks was charged with two counts of second-degree assault, resisting arrest, second-degree obstructing governmental administration and attempted petit larceny. He was arraigned on Dec. 23.

—Brian Stieglitz