Police Officer Injured
During Suspect Chase
ONEONTA – An Oneonta Police officer was injured after the suspect fled over a fence and down an embankment, according to Police Chief Doug Brenner.
Wanted on a failure to appear and criminal contempt charges, Christopher Youngs Jr. 19, Town of Maryland, was allegedly seen at a house at 31 Fairview St. When officers tried to arrest Youngs on the outstanding warrants, he allegedly jumped out of the second story window of the house and fled.
“He went over a fence and fell down the steep embankment,” said Brenner. “He got up and tried to hide, but officers caught up with him.”
However, Officer Brandon M. Damiani fell and injured his arm during the chase, and was transported to Fox Hospital for treatment. “He didn’t miss any time, but he had to get it dressed,” said Brenner. “There were sticks and mud and rocks in it.”
Police allegedly found a small bag of marijuana in Youngs possession.
He was arrested and charged with with second-degree assault of a police officer, a felony. “If he didn’t run, the officer wouldn’t have gotten hurt,” said Brenner.
He was also charged with resisting arrest, a misdemeanor, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Police offered him medical treatment for his fall, but he declined, and was sent to the Otsego County Jail.
So… if I were to hold a door open for someone and as they hurried to enter/exit, they tripped and broke their wrist, I could be charged with 2nd degree assault??? If I hadn’t held the door they wouldn’t have run, fell and subsequently broke their wrist… wow, makes so much sense.