Four officers report injuries while arresting man in Austintown

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – A Youngstown man is facing multiple charges after police chased him after a domestic call in Austintown.

Damon Williams, 36, is charged with assault on a police officer, a fifth-degree felony; burglary, a second-degree felony; drug possession, a fifth-degree felony; obstruction of official business, fifth-degree felony, assault, first-degree misdemeanor; and resisting arrest is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Officers were called around 12:10 a.m. Oct. 22 to a home on North Main Street, where a woman said Williams had attacked her and wanted him removed from the home. When officers tried to get Williams to leave, he repeatedly told them he needed to get his belongings, but then followed the woman to the corner of the house, where she was cornered, according to the police report.

The responding officer called for backup, placed himself between Williams and the woman, and took Williams outside, where the officer found him not complying with her demands, then pushed her backwards, causing her to land on her back, knocking the air out of her, and the report states that she had suffered a hip injury.

Williams then fled and a pursuit ensued involving other officers and climbing a fence before Williams was caught in the area of North Edgehill Avenue, the report said.

Police said Williams continued to act aggressively as he was placed in handcuffs and struck twice with a Taser.

The police report states that police found suspicious drugs in Williams’ pocket, after which he vomited in the street and was taken to hospital for tests.

When officers were able to talk to the victim, she reported injuries to her face, fingers and leg as a result of Williams’ attack. She said that she and Williams argued about money and car keys and that they physically struggled over a pair of scissors with which Williams threatened to slash her tires, resulting in her cutting her finger. Then, when she ordered Williams to leave the house, he returned, removing the window air conditioner, and the argument continued. She testified that Williams punched her in the face and then poured cold grease on him, which the children were cleaning up when police arrived on the scene, according to the report.

Four officers reported injuries, including one with a cut to the hand, another to the wrist and one with scratches to the legs. The officer who was pushed to the ground said he felt pain and stiffness in his arms, hips and knees.

Williams was arraigned last week in Austintown Municipal Court. Bail was set at $20,000. He is scheduled to return to court on Wednesday.

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