A 66-year-old Ithaca man was arrested Thursday after police say he threatened a homeowner with a baseball bat and later struck a vehicle with a wooden walking stick in separate incidents.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., Ithaca Police officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of North Aurora Street following a report of a dispute between a male suspect and a homeowner. According to police, the suspect, Richard M. Johnston, threatened the homeowner while wielding a baseball bat. During the altercation, Johnston swung the bat in close proximity to the homeowner, instilling fear of injury. Police confirmed that Johnston and the homeowner were known to each other.
Later in the day, around 4:58 p.m., police received a report that a man with a wooden walking stick struck a vehicle driving through the intersection of Tioga Street and East Seneca Street, causing damage to the vehicle. The suspect and the vehicle’s driver were not acquainted.
Following investigations into both incidents, Johnston was identified as the suspect. At approximately 5:28 p.m., police located Johnston riding a bicycle in the Fall Creek neighborhood. Johnston attempted to evade arrest but was apprehended a short time later without incident.
Johnston faces multiple charges, including:
– Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D felony
– Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree, a Class E felony
– Menacing in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor
– Obstructing Governmental Administration, a Class A misdemeanor
Johnston was arraigned in Ithaca City Court by Judge Peacock and subsequently released on his own recognizance.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact the Ithaca Police Department. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the city’s website.
Police Dispatch: 607-272-3245
Police Administration: 607-272-9973
Police Tipline: 607-330-0000
Anonymous Email Tip Address: www.cityofithaca.org/ipdtips