STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A 23-year-old man from Clifton was caught with more than 50 capsules and glassine envelopes containing narcotics after he assaulted a victim, authorities allege.
The victim was a woman, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.
Ernest Clinton of Park Hill Avenue allegedly spat at and choked the victim. He slammed the victim against a wall and punched her several times in the head, according to the criminal complaint.
The victim suffered swelling, bruising and substantial pain to the face, but refused medical attention, police said.
Officers seized drugs from Clinton on Nov. 11 at about 6 p.m. at Manton Place and Mosel Avenue on the border of Concord and Rosebank, according to the criminal complaint and police.
Police recovered 27 purple capsules containing crack cocaine and 29 white glassine envelopes holding tan heroin powder, the complaint alleges.
Clinton has been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, assault and harassment.
The defendant has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been released with non-monetary conditions. He is due to appear in Criminal Court in St. George on Jan. 15, according to public records.
An attorney for the defendant did not immediately respond to a request for comment.