Fair Haven man arrested for assaulting police officer, family member

FAIR HAVEN — A local man faces serious charges after an incident where he allegedly attacked a police officer and a family member during a welfare check on Sept. 18.

Jeff S. Hatter II, 39, was arrested after Fair Haven Police responded to a call at his residence on Dutton Ave at 12:37 p.m. Authorities reported that Hatter was found in his garage armed with a hatchet and a knife.

Efforts to deescalate the situation turned violent when Hatter left the garage and struggled with a family member.

Police used chemical agents in an attempt to subdue Hatter, who then charged at officers with the weapons in hand.

During the altercation, an officer lost footing and fell, at which point Hatter stood over with the hatchet raised.

A Taser was subsequently used to bring Hatter under control.

Hatter was arrested and charged with aggravated assault on a police officer and first-degree aggravated domestic assault.

He was taken to Marble Valley Correctional Facility and ordered held without bail.

The incident was investigated by Chief William Humphries and Patrol Officers Thomas Covino and Tyler Duel of the Fair Haven Police Department, with assistance from Chief Mantello of the Castleton Police Department.