DONGAN HILLS, Staten Island (WABC) — Parishioners came for a peaceful morning mass on Staten Island on Friday – and left with palpitations.
Stunned parishioners watched it all unfold at St. Ann’s in Dongan Hills. Police officers responded to a 911 call for a disorderly man inside the church.
The unruly man dropped on the altar after being tased by police. The priest ducked out of the way – his sermon was over before it even began.
The two officers tried to make the man leave but putting him in handcuffs would prove not to be an easy task. Flowers went flying during the all-out brawl on the altar.
As police tried to wrestle the resisting man out of the church, he yelped repeatedly as they pummeled him in the head and dragged him away, at one point trying to kick out his leg.
Eventually, the man broke free and started fighting back, throwing punches at both officers.
Police were finally able to get the man under control and into custody.
There is no word on prompted the outburst, but Eyewitness News is told he is not a parishioner. His identity has not yet been released.
Charges are pending on the man while he is in the hospital being evaluated.
Two officers are being treated for minor injuries.
The church altar also sustained minor damage.
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