Son Draws Knife on Father at C.U.

Benjamin H. Brancato, 20, was charged with two Class A misdemeanors after he allegedly drew a knife and pursued his father, Vito M. Brancato, on their way to an event in Robert Purcell Community Center yesterday at around 5:50 p.m., according to Simeon Moss ’73, Cornell press relations office director. Passersby notified the police of the incident and Benjamin was taken into custody by Cornell Police.
“No one was hurt in the incident,” Moss said. According to him, the father stated that his son has had a history of mental health issues.
Benjamin was taken to the mental health unit at Cayuga Medical Center by Bangs Ambulance. After an evaluation, Benjamin was released into the custody of Cornell Police. He was charged with menacing in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.