Nassau Man Punched Officer During Arrest: Police

A Freeport man was arrested early Saturday morning after police say he became belligerent and punched an officer while they were escorting him out of a bar.

According to police, officers were called to the Frontera Bar, located at 963 Nassau Rd. in Uniondale, at 1:40 a.m. on Sept. 7. When the arrived, the officers were told by bar security that Luis Meza, 31, of North Main Street, Freeport, had caused a disturbance and wouldn't leave, police said.

The officers informed Meza he had to leave and escorted him a short distance, police said, but then he told the officers he wouldn't leave. The officers told Meza he was being placed under arrest, and then Meza punched one of the officers, police said. He was quickly arrested by several other officers at the scene, police said, but he continued to twist and flail his legs in an attempt to kick the officers.

The officer suffered minor swelling and cuts to his face and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Meza was also taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Meza is charged with second-degree assault, resisting arrest, second-degree obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct. He was arraigned on Sunday in First District Court in Hempstead.