By Mike Schnitzel
Police were called to Forest Avenue in Valley Stream at around noon after there were reports of an altercation in the street. Officer Jean DeLuca said that the Haggertys were involved in ³an on-going neighbor dispute,² and that the altercation began when Frank Haggerty attacked a male victim, whom police did not identify. The victim's wife subsequently came out of her house and was punched in the face by Deirdre Haggerty. Police said Mrs. Haggerty then hit the female victim in the face with a fence post.
The woman was taken to Franklin Hospital and treated for her injuries. Frank Haggerty was also taken to Franklin, where he was treated for unspecified injuries.
"From what we understand, it was an unfortunate situation that took place in the neighborhood of one of our schools," said Dr. Edward Fale, the superintendent of District 24, which includes Brooklyn Avenue School. Fale said that the district would follow any recommendations that the PTA had regarding disciplinary actions against Mrs. Haggerty.
"The executive board can hold a new vote [for PTA president] if the majority of the board votes on that," Fale said. "Normally, they would consult with the Nassau County Division of the New York State Congress of PTAs."
Gracemarie Rozea, director of the Nassau County Division, said that there are guidelines for such circumstances. "An individual convicted of a crime cannot hold an office [in the PTA]," Rozea said. "If found guilty, they would be removed from office."
Deirdre Haggerty was charged with two counts of second-degree felony assault. She was arraigned on Monday at First District Court in Hempstead and held on $5,000 bail or $20,000 bond before being freed, according to court officials. Her husband was charged with third-degree misdemeanor assault and given an appearance ticket.
Mrs. Haggerty's attorney, Tom Mason, said that he would aggressively defend her. "We are looking forward to the opportunity to defend her in court," Mason said. "We feel confident that when a jury hears all of the evidence, her innocence will be confirmed."
Comments about this story? MSchnitzel@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 265.
