Attorney: Assault suspect suffers from PTSD
An attorney representing the man charged with assault following a struggle with a Southold Town police officer and two court officers on Monday said her client, Michael Davis, is a veteran who was honorably discharged from the Army and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mr. Davis, 22, appeared in Southold Town Justice Court on Thursday for the second straight day for an arraignment on a slew of additional charges related to Monday’s arrest.
His attorney, Eileen Powers, said while previous reports have identified Mr. Davis as homeless, he actually lives and works in Greenport. Mr. Davis pleaded not guilty in court Thursday.
Ms. Powers said Mr. Davis will cooperate and is “anxious to put this behind him.”
She added that he apologizes for his actions on Monday and that he “doesn’t know what happened.” Assistant district attorney Patrick Fedun said Mr. Davis’ cooperativeness has been “less than helpful in this case.”
Mr. Davis was charged with second-degree assault, a felony, obstructing governmental administration, criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree criminal contempt, all misdemeanors. Under a second docket he was charged with third-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal mischief, both misdemeanors.
Judge William Price set his bail for $5,000 or $10,000 cash bond.
Mr. Davis had been initially arrested for confronting a Greenport man in his home with an air pistol the homeowner thought was a handgun shortly after 8 a.m. Monday, according to a police press release. He resisted his initial arrest and was taken into custody, police said.
Mr. Davis’ reported girlfriend, 20-year-old Nyasia Coach, was also arrested at the scene after she tried to stop officers from arresting Mr. Davis, according to the press release. She was charged with obstructing governmental administration, a misdemeanor, and held in county jail, authorities said.
Mr. Davis is due back in court Monday.
Photo caption: Mr. Davis is led into court on Wednesday. (Credit: Paul Squire)
