On Wednesday, August 31st, 2022, at around 8:34 P.M., Officers Bebernitz and DiPuccio were proactively patrolling the area in and around the 200 block of N. Geddes Street. This area has seen a notable increase in violent crime, mainly gun crime.
Officers observed a suspicious party in the area who appeared to be armed. The individual’s actions also violated several local law statutes. Officers approached the male and attempted to make contact. The suspect refused orders to stop and fled on foot. A brief foot pursuit ensued to the 300 block of Richmond Avenue. At one point during the chase, the suspect removed a fanny pack he was wearing and threw it onto the roof of a residence. After this, the suspect was quickly detained. A later search of the roof revealed the discarded fanny pack with a loaded, untraceable Polymer 80 handgun inside. There were also illegal drugs found inside the bag.
In the end, the suspect, a 15-year-old male, was arrested and booked at Hillbrook for the following crimes:
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree.
- Criminal Possession of a Firearm.
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree.
- Obstruction of Governmental Administration.
- Several local law violations.
As Officers were investigating this scene, trying to collect evidence and process the location, a large irate group started to form. Several group members began to verbally conflict with the Officers, including profanity, verbal threats, and name calling. The hostility continued to escalate to the point where crime scene tape had to be set up to keep people out.
One male, Christopher Alvarado, 28, ripped a portion of the crime scene tape down and became physical with an Officer on the scene. Officers tried to take Alvarado into custody for his actions, and he refused. After a brief struggle, Officers were able to get Alvarado into handcuffs. This male was arrested and released on an appearance ticket for:
- Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the Second Degree
- Resisting Arrest
- local law violation for removing a police barricade.
At around the same time, another male, Merrick Correa, 18, became physical with an Officer during the call. Correa also resisted arrest but was eventually taken into custody as well. Correa was arrested and released on an appearance ticket for:
- Harassment in the Second Degree
- Resisting Arrest
This was a chaotic and volatile scene. According to Syracuse Police, “although citizens are well within their rights to observe and record officers in the course of their duties, violent actions toward the Officers will not be tolerated. “
