Crime & Safety

PD: Intoxicated Man Feigned Machine Gun Fire, Grenade Launching in Jail Cell

A 47-year-old Chestnut Street man whose physical assault prompted his son to call 911 acted strangely back at headquarters, according to Middletown Police.

report the following incidents:

SECOND-DEGREE FAILURE TO APPEAR — On April 23 at 8:45 a.m., Tara E. Harrington, 26, of Wangonk Trail turned herself in on an outstanding warrant for operation of an unregistered motor vehicle, improper use of market plate.

BREACH OF PEACE, THREATENING — On April 21 at 6:27 p.m., police received a 911 call from a 16-year-old boy that his father, Earnest Austin, 46, of Chestnut Street had, slapped his mother’s arm. The report says Austin was intoxicated and told his son, “he will put a bullet in everyone’s head.” The mother told officers Austin kicked at his own truck and then threatened his son. Back at headquarters, police say, Austin was uncooperative and kept “making motions like he was shooting a machine gun and throwing grenades,” punching the jail cell door and trying to push it open.

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SECOND-DEGREE FAILURE TO APPEAR — On April 20 at 8 p.m. Mark Springer, 30, of Eastern Drive turned himself on an outstanding warrant.


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