Man Running In Traffic Spat In Officer's Face, Threatened Them: NCPD

NORTH LAWRENCE, NY — A man was arrested after Nassau police said he was causing traffic issues and then spat at and threatened an officer on Thursday in North Lawrence.

Mark Berko, 30, who is homeless, was running in and out of traffic on Rockaway Turnpike, which police said caused safety concerns to motorists and pedestrians, around 1:10 p.m. Police said officers detained Berko for his own safety, as well as that of everyone else's using the road.

Berko then damaged police property, spat in the officer's face and threatened them, police said. He was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation, police said.

Berko was charged with second-degree criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, and five counts of second-degree harassment. He will be arraigned when medically practical.