ITHACA, N.Y. – A Groton man was taken into custody last week after a disagreement with a court officer took a slightly more violent turn, reports show.
Terry Short, 22, was arrested last Wednesday after he resisted orders from court officers, which ultimately resulted in a physical fight, according to employees of the courthouse.
According to court documents, Short was at Tompkins County Court for an appearance regarding a violation of his existing probation. After reviewing the case and a petition which was filed against the defendant alleging he had violated his felony probation conditions, Short was remanded to Tompkins County Jail. Judge Joseph Cassidy told Short he was being remanded without bail and directed court officers to take him into custody.
Following Cassidy’s orders, Officer Todd M. Cook said he advised Short to place his hands behind his back when the defendant began refusing orders.
Officer Cook said Short’s resistance became more aggressive when an additional officer came to assist.
“At this point, Mr. Short was basically wrestling with myself and (Officer Dennis Ward) on the ground, all the while refusing our commands and being completely noncompliant,” Cook said in a voluntary statement.
After radioing for additional assistance from more officers, Cook said he felt Short biting at the bottom of his left boot. Officers were then able to restrain Short and put him into handcuffs.
While Cook said he did not sustain any injuries from the fight, he said Officer Ward appeared to be bleeding after the incident.
Short has been charged with second-degree obstructing governmental administration, second-degree criminal contempt, and resisting arrest. He is currently in custody at Tompkins County Jail.
This story has been updated with additional information regarding Short’s court appearance.