Suspect who was shot after stabbing North Castle police sergeant told cops he wanted to die

An Armonk man who was shot by a North Castle police officer as he repeatedly stabbed a sergeant during a confrontation in his home told the cops he wanted to die and that they should kill him, according to court documents.

Joseph Spennato, 38, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Westchester County Court on an indictment charging him with attempted aggravated murder, attempted aggravated assault on a police officer and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Shortly after noon on May 20, police arrived at 14 Hallock Place on a medical call to assist Spennato's 78-year-old mother. When they learned that Spennato was there and was wanted on a pair of warrants from North Castle Town Court they moved to arrest him.

Spennato repeatedly tried to stab Sgt. William McClure in the back with a 5-inch folding knife but struck him in his ballistics vest. Officer Chris Costa fired two shots at Spennato, ending the threat. Spennato was hospitalized but has since recovered.

“We are seeking to hold this defendant accountable for his alleged attempt to kill a police sergeant who was simply trying to do his job," District Attorney Mimi Rocah said in a statement. "We are grateful that the officer was not seriously injured or killed during this unprovoked attack.”

According to the court document, Spennato was heard on body-worn cameras telling the officers he didn't want to go to court, that he feared being sent to jail for life and that he wanted to die.

"I'm not going to court. Kill me. I want to die. Why are you arresting me? I want to die. I want to die. I want to die. I don't cooperate with police; why did you come to arrest me?"

Spennato has been held without bail at the Westchester County jail since his release from the hospital.