MIDDLETOWN — A Middletown police officer was injured Friday when a homeless man with a lengthy criminal history allegedly assaulted and choked the officer, according to police officials.
Jerry Watkins, 52, was arrested and charged with multiple felonies including second-degree strangulation and second-degree assault following the March 14 incident.
The injured officer was treated at Garnet Health Medical Center for injuries to his head, face, neck and hand before being released, police said.
According to the Middletown Police Department, Watkins has had 28 documented interactions with local law enforcement since Jan. 4.
Police officials said Watkins has been arrested 18 times throughout his history, including seven felony arrests and three felony convictions.
Middletown Police Chief Ewanciw expressed frustration with what he described as failures in the bail reform and mental health systems that have repeatedly allowed Watkins to be released after previous incidents.
“Individuals like Jerry Watkins require treatment and care far beyond anything that our department can provide,” Ewanciw said.
Authorities report that Watkins currently has nine open cases, six of which originated since Jan. 5.
Watkins is currently being held at Orange County Jail on charges that also include third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree menacing, resisting arrest and fourth-degree criminal mischief.
