Mahopac Man Charged With Menacing, Reckless Endangerment

Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith reports the arrest of a Mahopac man on charges of menacing and reckless endangerment following an incident at a worksite in the Town of Southeast.

On January 20, 2016 at 12:09 p.m., Deputy Sheriff Michael Sutherland responded to the Tilly Foster Farm at 100 Route 312 in the Town of Southeast for a report of a male subject firing a nail gun at a co-worker. An investigation revealed that the complainant and the subject, both employees of the Putnam County Highway Department, had become involved in an argument over the use of a ladder at that location. The subject, identified as Santino Pietrosani, 55, of 200 Shear Hill Road, Mahopac is reported to have picked up a nail gun and fired several 3-inch nails in the direction of the complainant, nearly striking the complainant in the head. Prior to the deputy’s arrival, Mr. Pietrosani was relieved of his duties by a supervisor and directed to report to the Highway Department offices at 842 Fair Street in the Town of Patterson. An eyewitness corroborated the complainant’s account of the incident. The complainant indicated to the deputy that he wished to file criminal charges against Mr. Pietrosani.

The deputy located Mr. Pietropani at 842 Fair Street, arrested and charged him with Menacing in the Second Degree and with Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, misdemeanors. The defendant was arraigned before Town of Kent Justice Kevin Douchkoff on behalf of the Town of Southeast, and released in his own recognizance pending a future court appearance. Judge Douchkoff issued a temporary order of protection against Mr. Pietrosano on behalf of the complainant.

If found guilty of the misdemeanor charges, the defendant could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00 for each charge.