Queens Man Accused Of Attacking Cop Permitted To Enter Plea Of Not Responsible By Reason Of Mental Defect

A Queens’ man charged with attempted murder for trying to stab a Police Officer with a steak knife was permitted to enter a plea of Not Responsible By Reason Of Mental Disease and Defect to an Indictment that charged Attempted Murder and related charges, thereby avoiding a lengthy prison sentence. In March 2007, the Defendant, outside St. Helen’s Church on 88th Street and 157th Avenue in Queens, swung a knife at Police Officer Stuart Ingram, which hit the Officer’s Tin Shield and shattered, thereby saving his life. The family retained Queens Attorney Todd Greenberg, who, after investigation, along with Defense Psychiatrist, determined that the Defendant was in the midst of a “psychotic incident” and believed he was fending off attackers of the Church. “He believed he was under attack by three thugs” and “then was acting out in self defense” Greenberg stated to Newsday on March 4, 2007. The Defense was able to persuade the Queens District Attorney’s Office, who also conducted independent psychiatric evaluations, that the Defendant was mentally ill and not criminally responsible because of that mental illness for the criminal acts. The Defendant will be hospitalized in a secured facility for six months and thereafter reviewed every two years to determine his mental capacities. The Attorneys of Addabbo & Greenberg were able to establish that the Defendant’s mental disease caused his actions and that he had no “intent” to hurt the Police Officer. Instead of a lengthy prison term, the Defendant will receive counseling and care at a State Psychiatric Facility.