(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced the indictment of Eric Terranova who is accused of attempting to stab two Nassau County police detectives.
“Thankfully, the defendant’s brazen attack on these police officers in broad daylight ended without the loss of life,” said District Attorney Tierney. “It is a stark reminder of the dangers police officers face on a daily basis.”
Terranova, 40, is charged with:
• Two counts of Attempted Aggravated Assault of a Police Officer; Two counts of Attempted Assault in the First Degree;
• Two counts of Menacing a Police Officer:
• Four counts of Attempted Assault in the Second Degree; and
• Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree.
After consideration of the evidence, the Grand Jury declined to charge the officers for their actions.
According to the investigation, on March 19, 2022, at approximately 4:30 p.m., two Nassau County detectives responded to Terranova’s residence, located at 8 Buchanan Avenue in Copiague. The detectives were investigating accusations that Terranova had made threatening phone calls to employees of a Stop & Shop grocery store located in Nassau County. While speaking with the detectives on his front porch, Terranova allegedly began fidgeting with his hands in his jacket pockets. The detectives asked whether he possessed any weapons, whereupon Terranova removed a switchblade knife from his pocket and handed it to them. Terranova allegedly suddenly became irate, stormed into his home and slammed the front door shut. Surveillance video then showed the detectives return to their unmarked vehicle. One of the detectives entered the driver’s side and, as the other detective was about to enter the passenger side of the vehicle, Terranova exited the side door of his residence and charged at the detectives. Terranova was holding a switchblade knife over his head and screaming he was “God.” The detectives repeatedly directed Terranova to drop the knife. Terranova ignored their commands and continued to charge at the detectives. The officers then fired their weapons, striking Terranova. Terranova then ran directly at one of the detectives with the knife still raised over his head. The detectives continued to fire their handguns until Terranova fell to the ground. Both detectives immediately rendered aid to Terranova and yelled for bystanders to call 911. The defendant was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
On January 4, 2023, at his arraignment on the indictment, Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Timothy P. Mazzei ordered Terranova held on $500,000 cash, $1 million bond or $5 million partially secured bond. Terranova is being represented by Ira Weissman, Esq. His next court date is January 9, 2023, before County Court Judge, the Honorable Steven A. Pilewski.
This case is prosecuted by ADA Sheetal Shetty of the Major Crime Bureau.