Police arrested a man twice in two days after separate incidents that included trespassing, resisting arrest, and threatening an officer with a hammer, according to the Village of Bath Police Department.
Officers first responded to a vacant home on Pine Street around 4:25 p.m. Jan. 23 after receiving a report of a man inside who did not belong there.
Police said they found the man inside the residence and identified him as Jason Pierce, 21, from out of state. When officers told Pierce he was under arrest for trespassing, police said he failed to comply and physically resisted.
After a brief struggle, officers took Pierce into custody. He was charged with criminal trespass in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and resisting arrest, also a Class A misdemeanor. Police said Pierce initially gave a false name and date of birth, leading to an additional charge of false personation, a Class B misdemeanor.
Pierce was processed and taken to the Steuben County Jail for CAP arraignment.
Second arrest followed report at pizza shop
Less than 24 hours later, police responded to Rico’s Pizza on West Morris Street around 7:48 p.m. Jan. 24 for a report of a man on the property, in a private area, possibly stealing items.
Officers did not find the man when they arrived but were given a description. While patrolling the area, an officer spotted a man matching that description walking on West Washington Street around 8:28 p.m.
Police said the officer attempted to stop the man, whom officers recognized as Pierce. According to police, Pierce refused to comply and continued walking.
Police said Pierce then reached into his coat, pulled out a concealed hammer, and threatened to strike the officer. Once additional officers arrived, Pierce was taken into custody without further incident.
He was charged with menacing a police officer, a Class D felony, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and obstructing governmental administration, also a Class A misdemeanor.
Additional trespass charge added
During processing, police said they determined Pierce had unlawfully entered the same Pine Street residence earlier that day. Police said he had been arrested and released from jail for unlawfully entering that residence the day before.
As a result, Pierce was also charged with criminal trespass in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. He was transported back to the Steuben County Jail for CAP arraignment.
Bath police thanked the New York State Police and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.
Police also reminded the public that a warming shelter is available at 7114 State Route 415 in the Town of Bath for anyone needing relief from cold temperatures.
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].