An Ithaca man faces menacing and harassment charges after police say he twice tried to run over another person with a moped and later threatened to stab the same person with a knife.
Ithaca police said officers were called to the 100 block of East Green Street at about 12:56 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, for a suspicious incident complaint. Investigators learned of the alleged attempts to hit the person while the moped was being operated illegally in the area, according to a department release.
Police identified the man as Christopher J. Hartman of Ithaca. Officers located and arrested him on two active bench warrants, the release said. The department did not describe the cases behind those warrants.
Hartman was also charged in connection with the East Green Street incident with second-degree menacing, a class A misdemeanor, and first-degree harassment, a class B misdemeanor, police said. The charges are allegations; the release did not report an injury.
Police said Hartman also faces multiple vehicle and traffic misdemeanors and violations related to operating the moped. The release did not specify those counts or explain the alleged traffic violations.
Hartman was arraigned by Judge Peacock and remanded to the Tompkins County Jail, according to police. The release did not provide a date for his next court appearance.
The Ithaca Police Department said its investigation remains active. Anyone with information can call police dispatch at 607-272-3245, the department’s administration line at 607-272-9973 or its tipline at 607-330-0000. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the city of Ithaca’s police tip website.
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