A routine patrol turned violent when a driver allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted an officer during a traffic stop in Auburn.
The suspect, identified as Chad M. McMillan, was pulled over by Officer Henderson on North Street at York Street after being seen driving off railroad tracks around 4:11 p.m. on July 21. Henderson, who was on routine patrol, suspected McMillan was intoxicated and initiated a traffic stop after the vehicle left the tracks.
According to a media release from the Auburn Police Department, McMillan appeared to be highly intoxicated. When asked to step out for field sobriety tests, he allegedly became argumentative and, at one point, clenched his fist “as if he was going to punch Officer Henderson.” Officers attempted to arrest McMillan, but he reportedly resisted.
During the struggle, the suspect and officers fell into a metal wire attached to a “no trespassing” sign. The wire reportedly ripped off Officer Henderson’s ear, causing it to hang partially detached. Officers eventually subdued McMillan and transported him to Auburn Police Headquarters, where he refused to submit to a breath test.
Officer Henderson was taken to Upstate University Hospital for treatment, and his patrol car was reconstructed. McMillan was later taken to the Cayuga County Jail pending arraignment.
McMillan, born April 4, 1972, and residing at 134 Osborne Street, was charged with six offenses: assault on a police officer (Class C felony), obstructing governmental administration in the second degree (Class A misdemeanor), resisting arrest (Class A misdemeanor), driving while intoxicated (unclassified misdemeanor), possession of an open container (infraction), and obstructing a railroad crossing (infraction).
Police thanked first responders from the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, Auburn City Ambulance, Auburn Fire Department, and the New York State Police for their assistance.
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