A man accused of trespassing at a Bath grocery store is now facing felony charges after police say he fought officers and bit an EMT.
Officers arrested 48-year-old James C. Crawford on December 18 after he refused to leave the Tops Friendly Market on West Morris Street, where he had previously been banned.
Bath Police say store staff had asked Crawford, who was staying at a local motel, to leave several times before calling authorities. When officers arrived, Crawford refused again and became combative as they tried to arrest him. After a brief struggle, he was taken into custody.
Police say Crawford’s aggression didn’t stop there.
While being evaluated by Bath Ambulance, he allegedly bit an EMT in the hand in an attempt to cause injury. The EMT was wearing gloves and wasn’t hurt.
Crawford also allegedly tried to kick a Bath officer in the knee during the arrest.
He now faces multiple charges, including two counts of attempted assault in the second degree (a class E felony), resisting arrest, and trespassing. Police noted that Crawford has a history of violence toward both law enforcement and medical personnel.
He was taken to Steuben County Jail following his arrest.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].