STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A 25-year-old man from New Brighton resisted arrest so vigorously that he elbowed an officer in the face, authorities allege.
Adonijah Sanders of Robert Lane disobeyed a stop sign while driving at the intersection of Targee and Van Duzer streets on Jan. 4 about 10:30 p.m., according to the criminal complaint.
Further investigation revealed that the defendant’s license was suspended or revoked, the complaint alleges.
As officers attempted to arrest Sanders, the defendant flailed his arms and tensed his muscles in an attempt to avoid being handcuffed, the complaint alleges.
Sanders refused to walk to a police vehicle and dragged his feet, forcing officers to pick up and carry him, officers allege.
Sanders allegedly kicked the side of the vehicle as officers tried to place him inside. The defendant’s elbow struck the officer in the face, causing redness, swelling and pain, the complaint alleges.
Sanders has been charged with assault, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and failure to stop at a stop sign.
The defendant has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been released with non-monetary conditions. He is due back in Criminal Court in St. George on Feb. 26.
An attorney for the defendant did not immediately respond to a request for comment.