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Armonk man sentenced to 11 years in state prison for attempted assault of police officer

Joseph Spennato was sentenced to 11 years in state prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.

Lauren Del Valle

May 20, 2026, 4:42 PM

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An Armonk man was sentenced to 11 years in state prison for attempting to assault a police officer.

Joseph Spennato addressed the court after pleading guilty last month. The 39-year-old apologized to the officer whom he tried to stab in the back multiple times during his arrest.

"I want to apologize for the officer in question. It was improper of me to do what I did and to place him in the line of fire. He was only trying to do his job to the best of his ability, and he meant me no harm," said Spennato.

On May 20 2024, two North Castle police officers were responding to a call on Hallock Place in Armonk to assist a 78-year-old woman in need of medical care.

Once on scene, the officers discovered Spennato, who was inside the home, had two outstanding bench warrants in North Castle Town Court.

When officers tried to arrest Spennato, he attempted to stab Sgt. William McClure multiple times in the back, striking his ballistic vest instead.

A second officer then fired two gunshots, striking Spennato twice.

Spennato was sentenced to 11 years in state prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.

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