City man charged with resisting arrest
A Washington man was arrested late Thursday by city police on charges including resisting arrest after they were called to his home for a report of an intoxicated man on the front porch with a gun.
Arthur Bird, 43, of 142 E. Prospect Ave., also was charged with disorderly conduct.
Police were called to the home by a neighbor about 11:45 p.m. When Officer Matthew Karlowsky arrived, he asked Bird to show his hands but he refused to respond. Karlowsky could see Bird reach for something on the poorly lit porch so he drew his gun and again ordered Bird to surrender and show his hands. Bird turned and went into the house.
Police said a neighbor called 911 to report Bird was inside the house with a gun pointed at officers. Police later determined that was not the case.
Another officer told Karlowsky that Bird was back on the front porch. Bird walked down the steps, ignoring orders to stop. Karlowsky tackled him to the ground and took him into custody.
Several area departments were called to assist, but some were canceled before arriving once Bird was taken into custody.
Police learned Bird got into a confrontation with his wife earlier in the night. She left the home before police were called. A shotgun was found inside the home and confiscated.
He was arraigned before District Judge Traci McDonald and placed in Washington County jail on a $5,000 percentage bond. Bird faces an Aug. 18 preliminary hearing before District Judge Robert Redlinger.