Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Attacking Officer: Police

Police arrested a man early Monday in Long Beach and charged him with attempted murder after he attacked a police officer and tried to steal his gun.

According to police, officers received a call in Island Park at 12:57 a.m. about a suspicious man making threats. While canvassing the area, an officer found a person matching the description near Long Beach Boulevard and East Fulton Street in Long Beach.

The officer began to talk to the man, who police later identified as 33-year-old Nick Rastetter. Police say Rastetter became combative and grabbed the officer's gun and holster, causing a struggle for the gun. A second officer arrived at the scene, and Rastetter was subdued and placed under arrest.

The first officer injured his hand during the fight, and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Rastetter is charged with first-degree murder (attempt), second-degree robbery (attempt), second-degree assault, resisting arrest and second-degree obstructing governmental administration. He is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in First District Court in Hempstead.

Photo: Nassau County Police Department