A neighborhood narcotics operation erupted into a violent struggle after police say a suspect grabbed an officer’s Taser and tried to use it during his arrest.
UTICA, N.Y. — A narcotics enforcement operation in Utica’s Oneida Square neighborhood turned violent when a suspect allegedly grabbed an officer’s Taser and attempted to use it during a struggle before he was taken into custody, according to the Utica Police Department.
The joint operation, conducted July 9 by the department’s Special Investigations Unit and Tactical Unit, targeted quality-of-life and narcotics complaints in the area.
Police said officers initially attempted to stop 46-year-old Marquis Williams because he was allegedly consuming alcohol from an open container in public.
According to investigators, Williams fled on foot, leading officers on a chase. When officers caught up to him, police said he resisted arrest.
During the struggle, officers deployed a Taser, but police said it had no effect. Investigators allege Williams grabbed the Taser and attempted to use it against officers before he was subdued after a prolonged struggle.
One officer suffered a hand injury and sought medical treatment.
Police also allege Williams attempted to discard and ingest narcotics during the confrontation.
Williams was charged with third-, fourth- and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon based on a prior conviction, attempted second-degree assault on a police officer and possession of an open alcoholic container.
The operation resulted in four additional arrests.
Police said Emiliano Perez, 55, and Clay Kahler, 61, both of Utica, were each charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after officers allegedly recovered suspected crack cocaine.
Anthony McRorie, 39, and John Dorsango, 35, both of Utica, were each charged with third- and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of drug paraphernalia after officers allegedly recovered a felony quantity of suspected methamphetamine and packaging materials during a vehicle search.
In total, the operation resulted in five arrests and 11 traffic tickets.
The charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Police say a suspect grabbed an officer’s Taser during a violent arrest in Utica.
- Five people were arrested during a neighborhood narcotics enforcement operation.
- One officer was injured, and investigators reported recovering suspected narcotics.
