Hunter
07/17/24
An area transient who allegedly threatened another man with a knife Monday afternoon has been arrested.
The incident occurred at Shelter House at around 2pm. Police were called to the facility on reports of a man threatening another man with a knife. They came in contact with 72-year-old Dennis Debattista, who reportedly told them that he had been in an argument with another man over a pair of hair clippers. Debattista said he became upset when the man called him a “leech.”
Debattista walked away from the altercation, but allegedly returned with a knife. He reportedly pressed the knife against the other man’s neck and threatened to slit his throat.
Debattista was arrested, and while outside the jail allegedly said something intimating that he would actually do something next time and that he should be kept in jail.
Debattista was charged with Going Armed with Intent and Assault while Displaying a Dangerous Weapon. He could be sentenced to up to 7 years in jail if convicted on both counts.
A no-contact order was requested between the parties involved.