New York City Bar co-owners or authorities said the coronavirus ban was lifted after the deputy walked out early Sunday.
Sheriff Joseph Fusito said Danny Presty tried to flee the State Island Bar, Mack’s public house, as he was being arrested for serving patrons in violation of city and state closure orders.
Presity struck the deputy and continued driving for about 100 yards, while the deputy hung on the hood, Fusito added, adding that the 34-year-old was eventually stopped and apprehended. Charges were pending.
In November, Staten Island was just one of five boroughs that voted for Donald Trump, much more than the rest of New York City. It is home to many police officers and firefighters and is generally seen as a supporter of law enforcement.
Mack’s public house was the site of a protest this week, after sheriff’s representatives arrested Presti on charges of violating a ban aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus and obstructing government administration.
The strip is in an area designated the Orange Zone by Governor by Andrew Cuomo and does not serve indoors. But the owners declared the bar an “autonomous zone,” referring to left-wing protesters against racism and police brutality, who claimed control of the Seattle neighborhood in June.
The protest outside Mack’s public house received the attention of NBC’s Saturday Night Live by cast member Pete Davidson, who is a borough and co-wrote and starred in this year’s Hist film The King State of Staten Island.
“I saw the protest,” Davidson said. “People were shouting for freedom outside the bar, laughing at the police, shouting that the governor should be arrested. But it’s Staten Island so I figured it was like a last call.
“… The rule is that they want to let people eat and drink outside, and the owner said no one wants to do that because they will go out of business. But the argument that the people of Staten Island don’t want to drink outside can be refuted by going to literally any Little League game. “
Officials said the bar was also on duty on Saturday night, although it was ordered to close completely following Presty’s previous arrest. The front door was locked but customers were being directed to the building next door. From there, they were able to enter Mack’s public house and order food and drinks.
Prestina attorney Mark Fonte said he has not had a chance to speak with his client, but expects him to be handed over later on Sunday.
A spokesman for Mayor Bill de Blasio said Presty ignored human life.
“Whether he violates public health laws or enters a car’s uniformed deputy, this person has endangered the lives of others,” Bill Needhardt said.
Davidson said the protesters “feel like children” to the people of Staten Island.
The injured deputy was taken to the hospital, his condition was not immediately known.
