Man Accused Of Trying To Kill Officer Found Guilty

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The Mount Vernon man who was accused of trying to kill a Westchester County police officer was convicted Thursday of attempted murder and other charges. A post on Facebook by the Westchester County Police Department announced the guilty verdict. Clare Greenland, 54, of Fifth Avenue in Mount Vernon had been charged with attempted murder of a police office.

Officer David Sanchez was inspecting the Arroway Chevrolet-Cadillac dealership on North Bedford Road in Mount Kisco around 2:15 a.m. Nov. 8 when he observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot.

He tried to stop a Honda Odyssey minivan as it left the property but the driver — Greenland — refused to pull over.

The van continued to Knowlton Avenue where Greenland jumped out and ran off.

Sanchez pursued him and eventually caught up him, and he put up a violent struggle, striking Sanchez numerous times and attempting to stab him before he was subdued and taken into custody.

A knife was found at the scene, and punctures were discovered on the officer’s bullet-resistant vest.

County Department of Public Safety Commissioner George N. Longworth said on Facebook that he was grateful by the jury’s verdict and pleased that it brings justice to an officer who was almost murdered.

“We are hopeful that Mr. Greenland will be taken off our streets for good,” he said.

“He has a long, criminal history and was departed twice, only to return illegally to this country to continue to victimize our residents,” Longworth said.

Photo caption: Clare Greenland. Photo credit: Westchester County District Attorney's Office.