Armonk Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Assault of Police Officer

April 9, 2026

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced today that an Armonk man has pleaded guilty to Attempted Aggravated Assault Upon a Police Officer, a class C Violent Felony.

Joseph Spennato, 39 years old, pleaded guilty in front of Westchester County Court Judge Anne Bianchi. Sentencing is scheduled for May 20. Spennato is facing 11 years in state prison along with 5 years post release supervision.

At approximately 12:26 p.m. on May 20, 2024, two North Castle police officers responded to a 911 emergency call on Hallock Place in Armonk to assist a 78-year-old woman who needed medical care. At the scene, officers became aware that the defendant, who had two outstanding bench warrants in North Castle Town Court, was also in the home. When officers attempted to arrest the defendant, he attempted to stab Sgt. William McClure multiple times in the back with a knife, striking the sergeant’s ballistic vest. North Castle Police Officer Chris Costa used his duty pistol to fire two shots, striking the defendant twice. The incident was captured on police-worn body cameras. The defendant and both officers were transported to local hospitals for treatment and evaluation.

DA Cacace said: “This case serves as a stark reminder of the extreme dangers our police officers face daily, regardless of which community they serve. The responding officers were sent to what would seem to be an innocuous call when they were suddenly faced with a life-or-death situation. I am thankful that the officers survived the encounter and that the suspect is being held accountable for his actions.”

This case was investigated by the North Castle Police Department and the Westchester County Department of Public Safety.

The case was prosecuted by Trial Division Bureau Chief Jonathan Strongin and ADA Alex Shapiro. Rye Bureau Chief Cindy Adimari also assisted.