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Aakif Charles, of the City of Newburgh, was arrested on Monday, Feb. 10, after police responded to the area of Townsend Avenue and Lincoln Terrace to investigate a car-larceny in progress, police said.
When officers arrived on the scene they found Charles attempting to flee and began fighting with officers using a cordless drill he had allegedly just stolen as a weapon, said City of Newburgh Police Det. Sgt. Joseph Rutigliano.
After a lengthy struggle, Charles was taken into custody.
One officer and Charles were treated at a local hospital for minor injuries sustained during this incident.
Charles was charged with attempted assault, criminal possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, petit larceny, and obstructing governmental administration.
Rutigliano said that Charles had been detained by other officers minutes prior to the incident for another car larceny.
He was released because he did not have any stolen property in his possession, police said.
In addition, Rutigliano said Charles has been arrested by the City of Newburgh Police five times since Dec. 5, 2019, for similar crimes but was released due to the new bail reform.
Charles will be arraigned in the City of Newburgh Court Tuesday, Feb. 11.
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