In December 2005 he was arrested and hospitalized after he and a
friend, Steven Armento, were shot by off-duty New York City police officer Daniel
Enchautegui when the officer caught them committing a burglary. Amento was armed and fired at the officer, who died of his wounds. He was sentenced to life in prison for murder. Brancato, who was not armed at the time, was also shot by the officer and left in critical condition. He was convicted of attempted burglary and sentenced to ten years in prison.