Officer Stabbed With Screwdriver During Struggle: Police

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A City of Poughkeepsie police officer was stabbed in the neck Saturday, and a Poughkeepsie man was accused of attempted murder.

A spokesperson for the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department said officers and members of the Mobil Crisis Team went to 25 Smith St. around 7:45 p.m. for a report of a man experiencing mental health problems.

When the two officers got to the apartment, Jalil Smith, 32, attacked them with a screwdriver, police said.

The officers used a stun gun to stop Smith's attack, but a violent struggle ensued.

During the struggle, police said, Smith stabbed one of the officers in the neck.

The officers were eventually able to subdue the man, according to authorities.

The officer who was stabbed is a 14-year veteran of the department. He was taken to MidHudson Regional Hospital where he was treated for the stab wound to his neck and other cuts to his face and head. He was later released, police said.

Smith was charged with first-degree attempted murder, a felony, and was held pending arraignment.

Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison said on social media that the city was blessed to have such brave and dedicated police officers in the department.

"The bravery and training of our officers resulted in an outcome which could have been much different in this extremely violent incident," he said.