NEW YORK, March 13 (UPI) -- A New York City police officer died Sunday after being pushed from the stoop of a Brooklyn brownstone while trying to arrest an ex-convict, police allege.
Alain Schaberger, 42, an 11-year veteran of the department, died of a fractured neck about 7 a.m. at Lutheran Hospital, the New York Daily News reported.
Police said Schaberger and two other officers were trying to handcuff George Villaneuva on the front stoop of a Boerum Hill home shortly before 5 a.m. when Villaneuva allegedly shoved Schaberger, who fell about 9 feet and landed on his head.
"He was very well respected," Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said. "It's a terrible tragedy."
Schaberger had responded to a domestic violence call by a woman who had a protective order against Villaneuva. By the time police arrived, Villaneuva had left and gone to his father's home.
The New York Post said officers had one handcuff on the suspect when he allegedly pushed the officer off the stoop.
Police said Villaneuva became so combative after the incident they had to shoot him with a stun gun twice to subdue him.
Kelly said Villaneuva had 28 prior arrests and was released from state prison in 2005. He was allegedly the aggressor in 12 previous incidents involving his girlfriend and mother.
Villaneuva was charged with first-degree murder and assault, The New York Times reported. He was last arrested Feb. 4 for violating the protection order.
