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Port Chester Man, 28, Attacks Police With Steak Knife, Pepper Spray

This story has been updated.

The Courtyard Marriott on Midland Avenue in Rye.

The Courtyard Marriott on Midland Avenue in Rye.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A 28-year-old Port Chester man reportedly charged at police with a six-inch steak knife after threatening to kill himself on Tuesday night.

 Port Chester police said they responded to a domestic dispute about 11 p.m. on College Avenue. According to initial reports, a male subject had cut himself in the neck with a kitchen knife and fled the scene threatening to kill himself. 

A short time later, a Port Chester police officer observed Justin Gagne, 28, of Cottage Street walking into the entrance of the Courtyard Marriott on Midland Avenue in Rye. 

Officers quickly converged on Gagne and observed what appeared to be a knife wound on the right side of his neck. As they attempted to check on his well-being, Gagne mounted a counter, police said.

Officers attempted to talk him down, but Gagne refused. Shortly thereafter, Gagne jumped from the counter and charged the officers with a steak knife, police said. The officers were able to tackle Gagne and wrestle the knife from his hand. 

Gagne reportedly then sprayed the officers with a can of pepper spray he had hidden on his body. He was eventually restrained and handcuffed, but in the course of the struggle one officer sustained a cut to his hand.

Gagne was taken to the hospital for treatment of his neck wound and psychiatric evaluation. 

Charges are pending upon Gagne's release from the hospital by City of Rye Police who assisted at the scene and are handling the criminal investigation. Gagne's scheduled arraignment on Oct. 19 in Rye City Court was postponed due to his hospitalization, according to a Rye police spokesman.

"I'm very proud of our officers at the scene who displayed outstanding courage, professionalism and restraint in bringing this volatile situation to a successful conclusion," said Port Chester Police Chief Richard Conway.

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