South Salem man convicted after violent confrontation with Lewisboro PD

'Obstructive behavior toward law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in our community.'”

- Lewisboro Police Chief David Alfano

SOUTH SALEM, N.Y. - A South Salem man has been convicted on five charges stemming from a June 2022 incident that began at a local liquor store and ended with violent confrontations involving Lewisboro police officers.

The Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced that Carlos A. Bringas Jr., 37, was found guilty on July 24 following a four-day jury trial before Judge John Pappalardo in Lewisboro Town Court.

The jury convicted Bringas of Assault in the Third Degree, Resisting Arrest, Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree and Disorderly Conduct.

According to prosecutors, Lewisboro police responded to a harassment complaint on June 6, 2022, at Vista Wine & Spirits in the Oakridge Common shopping center in South Salem, where Bringas was employed. While officers questioned him, Bringas allegedly became disorderly and verbally abusive.

Authorities said that as officers attempted to arrest him on the disorderly conduct charge, Bringas violently resisted and kicked out the window of a police vehicle, damaging the door. Prosecutors said his behavior continued later inside the Lewisboro courthouse, where he again fought with police officers.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace praised the prosecutors and law enforcement agencies involved in the case.

"Mr. Bringas' rash and violent actions in this incident were unacceptable," Cacace said. "This case serves as a great reminder that our office, and our local police departments, will not tolerate this type of behavior. While some may consider these misdemeanor charges lesser offenses, our prosecutors expended tremendous efforts to lay out a clear and detailed case during a four-day trial. I commend their commitment and I thank the Lewisboro Police Department for their service."

Lewisboro Police Chief David Alfano also commended the officers who handled the incident.

"This conviction reflects the dedication of our officers, who remained professional and committed to their duties throughout this lengthy process," Alfano said. "I also want to thank the Westchester County District Attorney's Office for their exceptional work in presenting the facts and securing justice. The jury's verdict reaffirms that violent and obstructive behavior toward law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in our community."

The case was investigated by the Lewisboro Police Department with assistance from the New York State Police. Assistant District Attorney Claudia Neary and Northern Westchester Branch Bureau Chief Stephen Ronco prosecuted the case.