A New York City police officer from Seaford was arrested Wednesday for allegedly shooting his wife’s personal trainer after the cop caught the two cheating last year, according to Nassau County prosecutors and reports.
A grand jury indicted NYPD Sgt. Justin Ellis, 35, on a felony charge of assault. The trainer, 30-year-old Patrick Catania of Point Lookout, was also indicted on charges of attempted assault, criminal possession of a weapon, menacing, and criminal trespass — all misdemeanors.
“[Catania] had a relationship with the woman who’s married to the police sergeant, a romantic relationship,” Catania’s lawyer Jason Russo told the New York Post.
Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said that Ellis came home to find Catania trespassing at Ellis’ home, which Ellis shares with his wife and children. An argument broke out, Catania tried to assault Ellis with a baseball bat, and Ellis shot at Catania twice, striking him once, according to the indictment.
Both men called 911. Catania, who suffered a chest injury, was treated at a nearby hospital. Both men surrendered Wednesday to Nassau police. The sergeant was reportedly suspended without pay.
Judge Fran Ricigliano released both men without bail. Ellis faces up to seven years in prison and Catania faces up to four years, if convicted. Ellis is due back in court Jan. 7 and Catania is due back Jan. 8.
Ellis’ attorney could not be reached.
