Former New York City policeman charged in school gun case plans to present psychiatric defense

Psychiatric defense planned in NY school gun case

NEW CITY, N.Y. — A former New York City police officer accused of holding a suburban schools superintendent at gunpoint is blaming post traumatic stress for his alleged actions.

Peter Cocker’s defense lawyer, Gerard Damiani, told a state Supreme Court judge Tuesday that his client will enter a psychiatric defense. He says Cocker’s years on the New York City police force caused the disorder.

Police say Cocker stormed into a middle school in Blauvelt, about 22 miles north of New York City, on June 9 and threatened to shoot South Orangetown Superintendent Ken Mitchell in the heart, but Mitchell disarmed him.

Prosecutors say Cocker, who lives in Tappan, had a sick child and was upset over the schools’ swine flu policy.

Cocker’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 29.

Information from: The Journal News, www.thejournalnews.com