By Jeff Lipton
The suspect, identified as Daniel Barrett, who is believed to be homeless, pointed a nine-inch knife at 4th Precinct officers John Giovanelli and Sean Dunleavy and allegedly menaced them with the weapon, police said.
Giovanelli tackled Barrett and, with the help of Dunleavy, disarmed the suspect. No one was reported injured, according to 4th Squad detectives.
"The police officers showed great restraint," said Detective Sgt. David Curry of the 4th Squad.
"They disarmed an individual who was menacing them with a dangerous and deadly weapon."
Police received a 911 call for a suspicious person at Maple and Willow avenues on Monday, June 30 at 10:20 p.m., said Curry.
"Someone drives by and sees him acting suspicious and calls police," said Curry. "We've been getting hit with burglaries in the 4th Precinct and someone is taking the initiative that something is wrong here."
When the officers arrived, they observed Barrett and another man, who was not charged, acting in a suspicious manner, authorities said.
As the officers approached Barrett to question him, he pulled out the knife from his pocket and waved it at them, police said.
"The officers, very quickly and assertively, were able to disarm the man instead of using deadly force," Curry said.
Curry said Detective Lt. Larry Feffer of the 4th Squad may recommend officers Giovanelli and Dunleavy for meritorious awards for their quick and decisive actions.
Barrett was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, two counts of menacing a police officer and possession of marijuana. Barrett was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on July 1.
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