Wantagh Man Arrested After Allegedly Choking Female Victim, Crashing Car into Responding Police Cruiser
The Seventh Squad Detectives report the arrest of Wantagh man for Criminal Contempt that occurred on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 7:30 pm in Wantagh.
According to detectives, the female victim, 62, had a verbal argument with the defendant Joseph Anderson, 61, about him being intoxicated and violating an active Order of Protection. The victim attempted to call 911 but the subject removed the phone from her hand, preventing the call. The victim observed a bottle that she believed was vodka and the argument escalated, which became physical. Anderson placed his hands around the victim’s throat and squeezed until it became difficult to breath. The victim was pushed to the ground before the subject approached her from the rear and placed his forearm across her throat, making it difficult to breath. During the altercation, Anderson made violent threats causing the victim to fear for her safety. He fled the scene in a gray 2006 Jeep Cherokee.
Officers responded and were interviewing the victim when Anderson was observed driving in the area. Officers canvassed the area, officers observed Anderson’s vehicle parked. Anderson exited his vehicle and approached officers with a pipe in his hands and over his head. Officers placed their RMP in reverse creating distance. Anderson entered his vehicle and accelerated in an unsafe manner, striking the officer’s vehicle in the front and driver’s side. Officers activated their emergency lights and attempted to conduct a Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) stop but Anderson proceeded to travel eastbound on Sunrise Highway. Officers successfully initiated a VTL stop on the northbound entrance ramp of NY RT 135. Anderson was placed into custody.
Two (2) officers were involved in an auto accident while responding to assist. They were transported to area hospitals for evaluation and treatment.
The officer operating the patrol car which Anderson struck, was also removed to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Defendant Anderson is charged with Criminal Contempt 1st degree, Criminal Contempt 2nd degree, Assault 2nd degree, Criminal Mischief 3rd degree, Criminal Mischief 4th degree, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, three counts of Menacing 2nd degree, Driving While Intoxicated 1st degree. He will be arraigned when medically practical.