LOCATION OF ARREST: Second Avenue, City of Amsterdam
NAME AND ADDRESS OF ARRESTEE(S):
Joel G. Torres AGE: 28
Amsterdam, New York 12010
NAME AND CLASSIFICATION OF CHARGES (F/M/V):
1. Strangulation 2ND Degree (D-FELONY)
2. Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3RD Degree
(D-FELONY)
3. Aggravated Family Offense (E-FELONY)
4. Criminal Mischief 4TH Degree (A-Misdemeanor)
5. Resting Arrest (A-Misdemeanor)
6. Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7TH
(A-Misdemeanor)
7. Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A-Misdemeanor)
8. Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A-Misdemeanor)
9. Harassment 2ND (Violation)
ARRAIGNMENT/BAIL STATUS: Joel G. Torres was arraigned in Amsterdam City Court in front of the Honorable Judge Lisa W. Lorman and was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.
INCIDENT NARRATIVE: On February 10, 2024 at approximately 12:30 P.M. Amsterdam Police responded to the report of a male with a machete walking on Taft Place. Officers patrolled to the area and quickly made contact with the suspect. As officers approached and gave commands to the suspect he dropped the machete and began to flee on foot in an easterly direction. After a brief foot pursuit, officers were able to take custody of the suspect who identified himself as 28 year-old Joel G. Torres. A lawful search was conducted on Torres’ person where officers found Torres to be in possession of a controlled substance. During the officer’s investigation it was learned the suspect was involved in a domestic disturbance just moments prior to police arrival. During the course of the domestic disturbance it is alleged the suspect struck the victim in the face and placed his hands around the neck of the victim causing stupor. Torres then picked up a safe and threw it through a window of the residence. After doing so, Torres picked up a machete and proceeded to waive it around and used it to cause property damage inside the residence. Upon completion of the investigation Torres was transported to Amsterdam Police HQ where he was processed and held pending arraignment.
While there was probable cause for this arrest, all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
