Nassau County Police Officers Assist Suicidal Male with Rifle
Baldwin, NY - August 20, 2018 - The Nassau County Police Public Information Office reports the details of an unusual incident that occurred on August 19, 2018 in Baldwin.
Freeport Police were dispatched to Milburn Boat Ramp, Atlantic Avenue, by a Freeport Police dispatcher. The dispatcher, while assigning the officers, was able to stay on the line with the suicidal male with a long gun.
Upon arrival, officers observed a 46 year old male with an AR style rifle. Nassau County Police were requested and responded. Freeport Police, along with Nassau County police officers and officers from the Bureau of Special Operations, Marine Bureau, Emergency Service units and the Hostage Negotiation Team were able to deescalate the scene.
The male eventually complied with officers commands and placed the weapon down. The male was then taken into custody and removed to an area hospital in a Nassau Police Ambulance. There were no injuries reported.
The First Squad reports that the defendant, Thomas Belajonas, 47, Freeport, was arrested for the above crime. He is charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree, Menacing a Police Officer or Peace Officer and Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree. He will be arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead when medically practical.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.