John Spears Accused of Assaulting PSEG Worker in East Rockaway
EAST ROCKAWAY, NY — A 33-year-old Lynbrook man, John Spears, was arrested Saturday after allegedly attacking a 61-year-old PSEG environmental engineer who was helping clean up last week’s oil spill along Atlantic Avenue in East Rockaway.
Police say the confrontation occurred around 11 a.m. when Spears approached the employee and the two got into an argument. The dispute escalated when Spears allegedly began repeatedly punching the worker, breaking his glasses.
Following the altercation, Spears was arrested and taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Prosecutors allege he continued his violent behavior there—throwing a metal tray and kicking a wall, causing an estimated $1,000 in damages.
In court on Sunday, Spears denied initiating the fight, with his lawyer claiming the PSEG worker fought back, leaving Spears with a bruised eye.
PSEG Long Island issued a statement expressing concern for their employee’s safety:
“PSEG Long Island was alarmed to learn that our employee was assaulted yesterday morning while he was working to clean up the site on Atlantic Ave., in East Rockaway. The safety of our employees and customers is our number one priority.”
The cleanup continued over the weekend. PSEG confirmed the spill originated from a transmission cable that leaked hundreds of gallons of oily fluid into a nearby canal.
A Nassau County judge set Spears’ bail at $10,000 cash or $5,000 bond. He is expected back in court on Tuesday.
