A former University of Connecticut student whose drunken tirade over jalapeno-bacon macaroni and cheese got national attention last year was arrested in May for allegedly assaulting a police officer in Florida.
Police arrested Luke Gatti, 20, of Bayville, N.Y. on May 28 on charges of battery on a law-enforcement officer and resisting an officer with violence. Court records show that a prosecutor decided not to pursue the resisting charge, but Gatti is still facing the battery charge.
According to Boca Raton police, officers were called to the Wellness Resource Center on May 27 regarding an unruly patient. An employee reported that Gatti had arrived from a detox center in Fort Lauderdale and was going through severe withdrawals.
“I just want to die. I just want to die,” Gatti reportedly told officers.
Last year, he became known for his October outburst in the Student Union at the University of Connecticut. He ranted at and shoved a university food service supervisor for refusing to sell him the macaroni and cheese. The incident was recorded and widely viewed online.
Gatti was placed on probation and he withdrew from the university. He later released a video apologizing for his actions.
Officer Gina Maria Schuss reports that Gatti became agitated as she tried to speak to him and he made statements about not caring for his safety. It was determined that Gatti needed to be placed into protective custody.
Gatti allegedly hit Schuss on the right hand as he attempted to get away from her. Schuss and another officer struggled to gain control of Gatti as they arrested him.
He was taken to Boca Raton Hospital for medical clearance and then to the Palm Beach County Jail. While seated in the back of a patrol vehicle, Gatti reportedly made suicidal statements.
Court records show that a judge on June 10 ordered that Gatti undergo a mental health evaluation. He is scheduled to make his next court appearance on July 27.
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