Man charged with attempted murder in Holley after trying to stab police officer
HOLLEY – A man has been charged with attempted murder in the first degree after he allegedly lunged at a Holley police officer, attempting to stab him.
A Holley police officer was dispatched to the Holley waterfalls on Frisbee Terrace at 6:11 p.m. on Tuesday for report of a suspicious male walking around with a knife antagonizing people, said Robert Barton, Holley’s police chief.
Upon arrival, the officer approached David J. Simoni, 32, who was sitting on a park bench who did not respond to any of the officer’s questions. The officer then spoke with other individuals in the park to investigate the incident, Barton said.
When the officer returned to Simoni, who was still sitting on the bench, a physical altercation ensued as Simoni lunged at the officer, Barton said. During the altercation, the man attempted to stab the officer with a knife, Barton said.
With the assistance of nearby citizens, the officer was able to disarm Simoni and then the officer utilized his taser to cause the male to disengage. The male was taken into custody without further incident.
Simoni has been charged with attempted murder 1st degree, criminal obstruction breathing, attempted aggravated assault, menacing, resisting arrest and criminal possession of a weapon. He was transported to the Orleans County Jail.
