Man with over a dozen arrests back in custody after attacking officer in Orange County
Authorities noted Watkins had more than 25 run-ins with local and state police since January.
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Jerry Watkins, a man with over a dozen arrests this year, is back in custody in Orange County after trying to strangle a Middletown police officer Friday.
Authorities noted Watkins had more than 25 run-ins with local and state police since January. He now faces multiple felony charges and is held in county jail.
The officer is expected to recover fully. Middletown police said, "Through our various interactions with Mr. Watkins, the Middletown Police Department has learned that Mr. Watkins receives outpatient mental health assistance from several providers through state and county-based mental health programs. Inconceivably, none of these organizations have taken any decisive action that would assist in gaining control of Mr. Watkins and preventing him from endangering the safety of our local community."Police Chief John Ewanciw said, "The limitations of bail reform and mental health facilities is a big concern," urging state leaders to "do better." Watkins, considered a community danger, allegedly abused officers in custody, yet mental health providers released him with little support, police said.
