Ithaca man arrested after multiple weapons incidents | Ithaca

A 66-year-old Ithaca man was arrested Thursday after police say he threatened a homeowner with a baseball bat and then struck a vehicle with a wooden cane in separate incidents.

Around 9:30 a.m., Ithaca Police officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of North Aurora Street following a report of an argument between a suspect and a homeowner . Police say the suspect, Richard M. Johnston, threatened the homeowner while brandishing a baseball bat. During the altercation, Johnston swung the bat near the homeowner, raising fears of injury. Police confirmed that Johnston and the owner knew each other.

Later that day, at approximately 4:58 p.m., police received a report that a man armed with a wooden cane had struck a vehicle crossing the intersection of Tioga Street and East Seneca Street, causing damage to the vehicle. The suspect and the driver of the vehicle did not know each other.

Following investigations into both incidents, Johnston was identified as the suspect. At approximately 5:28 p.m., police spotted Johnston riding his bicycle in the Fall Creek neighborhood. Johnston attempted to evade arrest, but was apprehended shortly thereafter without incident.

Johnston faces several charges, including:

– Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a class D felony

– Third-degree criminal mischief, a class E felony

– Second-degree menacing, a class A misdemeanor

– Obstructing governmental administration, a class A misdemeanor

Johnston was arraigned in Ithaca Municipal Court by Judge Peacock and then released on his own recognizance.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the Ithaca Police Department. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the city's website.

Police dispatch: 607-272-3245

Police Administration: 607-272-9973

Police hotline: 607-330-0000

Anonymous email address: www.cityofithaca.org/ipdtips