Police: Wantagh man threatens cops with knife, gets tased

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A Wantagh man is facing criminal charges after allegedly threatening and wielding a knife at police officers outside of his home on March 25.

Police said that officers responded to calls of an intoxicated man in need of medical attention. They arrived to find Michael Battah, 69, inside the home and making threats at the responding officers. Police called for him to come outside and he grew “combative” before leaving with a knife and ignoring commands to drop it.

Battah approached the officers with the knife before they used a taser to subdue him, according to police. He continued to refuse their commands and resist arrest, but they eventually placed him in custody and transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment and evaluation.

Battah is being charged with three counts of menacing a police officer, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and resisting arrest. He was arraigned on March 26 at the Town of Hempstead First District Court.

More to follow.

—Compiled by Brian Stieglitz.