Elmont man charged with assault, resisting arrest after struggle with police, cops say

An Elmont man tried to escape two officers in a struggle that ended when all three tumbled down the basement steps of his home, Nassau police said Friday.

Nicholas M. Depasquale, 34, was arrested shortly before 2 p.m. Thursday, but as he was being led to the patrol car he tripped one of the arresting officers and both fell to the ground, police said.

One officer was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for elbow and back injuries, while two others were treated for minor injuries at the scene, police said.

Depasquale was arraigned Friday on charges of second-degree assault, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and two counts of second-degree contempt stemming from a previous offense, police said. Bail was set at $35,000. It was not immediately clear Friday night if he had an attorney.

The fight started when special operations officers were conducting an unspecified investigation and tried to approach Depasquale as he was backing his van out of his driveway at 2014 Baylis Ave., police said.

The officers approached with their shields displayed, but Depasquale ran out of his car and into his home through the back yard, police said.

At the top of the basement stairs, he punched, kicked and pushed the officers, police said. They fell down into the basement, where officers were able to gain control, police said.

Outside, Depasquale "deliberately tripped" an officer, police said.

Officers found a plastic bag of crystal methamphetamine on Depasquale, police said.

Details on his arraignment were not immediately available.