Crime & Safety

Southampton Police: Flanders Man Arrested on Felony Assault, Weapons Charges

Following previous alleged beating with a billy club, Flanders man arrested after traffic stop.

Southampton Police arrested a Flanders man on Tuesday evening on felony assault and weapons charges after they said he was wanted for beating another man with a billy club during an incident in April.

John M. O'Connell, 42, was initially pulled over around 6:00 Tuesday for a traffic violation at the intersection of Route 24 and Royal Avenue, police said. According to reports, an investigation at the scene revealed that O'Connell was driving with a suspended license and was wanted by police for an incident that occurred on April 2.

Police said O'Connell had previously struck another man with a billy club during an altercation on Anchor Street in Flanders, sending him to the hospital.

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O'Connell was arrested on the following charges: assault in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He was issued traffic violations for the following: uninspected motor vehicle, obstructed view, insufficient lights. 

He was transported to police headquarters and held for morning arraignment.

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