Man charged after armed stand off with police in Norwich
NORWICH – The City of Norwich Police Department is investigating an incident involving a Norwich resident calling 911 and then allegedly confronting police with a shotgun and machete as they responded Thursday morning along Cortland Street.
Police charged Bernie J. Infante, 45, of 75 Cortland Street, Apt. 4, with third degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class ‘C’ felony. Other charges could be pending.
Police said Infante aimed his weapon at officers during the incident and also fired it, but the shot was not in the direction of responding officers.
Norwich Police Chief Rodney Marsh reported that at about 11:48 a.m. Thursday, the Chenango County 911 Dispatch Center received a 911 phone call from an individual advising they didn’t feel safe.
“The individual advised dispatchers that he felt as if he was about to be harmed and requested the police respond to his residence,” said Marsh. “The individual called 911 a second time and called the Sheriff’s Office regular phone line. The individual again reported that he didn’t feel comfortable and that he would like the police to respond.
“The first officer of the Norwich Police Department arrived at 75 Cortland Street approximately 12:04 p.m. The officer contacted a neighbor, and it was learned that the subject was possibly armed with a shotgun and a machete.
“It was also learned that there was the possibility of a juvenile in the apartment as well. Additional law enforcement units arrived, including the New York State Police, Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and the NYS Division of Parole.
“While Norwich officers and detective were attempting to negotiate with the individual, he pointed the shotgun at the officers. At one point the individual fired one (1) round from the shotgun, but it was not fired towards officers. The individual attempted to escape the apartment through a closed window and officers made entry into the apartment.
“The individual was stopped before he could exit through the window, and he was taken into custody without further incident. The individual was transported to Chenango Memorial Hospital E.R. where he was evaluated and released,” said Marsh.
“The projectile that was fired from the shotgun went through the wall of an adjoining apartment and the resident of the other apartment was home at the time.
“During the investigation, it was later learned that the resident of the other apartment had sustained a minor injury. The residence declined medical attention for the injury. The responding officers and detective are to be praised for their actions during this incident.
“This incident had the potential of ending much differently, but fortunately no one was seriously injured,” said Chief Marsh.
Infante is currently being held at the city lockup at the Norwich PD pending arraignment in Norwich City Court. Additional charges are pending, and the investigation is continuing.
Responding to public concerns and social media posts Norwich City officials announced there was no ongoing danger to the public Thursday afternoon.
Ward 1 Alderman Matthew Caldwell said, “There is a lot of incorrect information swirling around out there, we want people to know there is no threat to the public."
Police charged Bernie J. Infante, 45, of 75 Cortland Street, Apt. 4, with third degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class ‘C’ felony. Other charges could be pending.
Police said Infante aimed his weapon at officers during the incident and also fired it, but the shot was not in the direction of responding officers.
Norwich Police Chief Rodney Marsh reported that at about 11:48 a.m. Thursday, the Chenango County 911 Dispatch Center received a 911 phone call from an individual advising they didn’t feel safe.
“The individual advised dispatchers that he felt as if he was about to be harmed and requested the police respond to his residence,” said Marsh. “The individual called 911 a second time and called the Sheriff’s Office regular phone line. The individual again reported that he didn’t feel comfortable and that he would like the police to respond.
“The first officer of the Norwich Police Department arrived at 75 Cortland Street approximately 12:04 p.m. The officer contacted a neighbor, and it was learned that the subject was possibly armed with a shotgun and a machete.
“It was also learned that there was the possibility of a juvenile in the apartment as well. Additional law enforcement units arrived, including the New York State Police, Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and the NYS Division of Parole.
“While Norwich officers and detective were attempting to negotiate with the individual, he pointed the shotgun at the officers. At one point the individual fired one (1) round from the shotgun, but it was not fired towards officers. The individual attempted to escape the apartment through a closed window and officers made entry into the apartment.
“The individual was stopped before he could exit through the window, and he was taken into custody without further incident. The individual was transported to Chenango Memorial Hospital E.R. where he was evaluated and released,” said Marsh.
“The projectile that was fired from the shotgun went through the wall of an adjoining apartment and the resident of the other apartment was home at the time.
“During the investigation, it was later learned that the resident of the other apartment had sustained a minor injury. The residence declined medical attention for the injury. The responding officers and detective are to be praised for their actions during this incident.
“This incident had the potential of ending much differently, but fortunately no one was seriously injured,” said Chief Marsh.
Infante is currently being held at the city lockup at the Norwich PD pending arraignment in Norwich City Court. Additional charges are pending, and the investigation is continuing.
Responding to public concerns and social media posts Norwich City officials announced there was no ongoing danger to the public Thursday afternoon.
Ward 1 Alderman Matthew Caldwell said, “There is a lot of incorrect information swirling around out there, we want people to know there is no threat to the public."
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