Brewster Cops Use Taser on Disorderly Man

A 22-year-old Southeast resident is facing misdemeanor and felony charges after an incident that involved a Taser, and left one Brewster Police Department patrol car in need of repairs, according to authorities.

Officials say Michael J. Cummings attempted to kick his way out of the vehicle—where police placed him while interviewing a complainant—after they found him outside a North Main Street residence at about 11:45 p.m. Nov. 24.

Police were responding to a 911 dispatch for a possible burglary in progress at that location. When they arrived, Cummings was in the backyard, jiggling the doorknob, officials told Patch.

After reportedly ignoring orders to stop what he was doing, Cummings was taken into custody and placed in the backseat of the patrol car, with his hands restrained behind him. He appeared intoxicated, according to authorities.

As officers conducted an interview with the complainant, a 34-year-old man, Cummings was reportedly cursing and shouting. He managed to bring his hands, still in cuffs, in front of his body before kicking through the rear, passenger-side window, BPD Chief John Del Gardo said.

Officers used a Taser to deliver an electric shock, via probes injected into the subject. He or she typically becomes incapacitated for a brief period of time.

The defendant was transported to the Putnam Hospital Center by ambulance and the probes were removed without incident.

Cummings, who was arraigned before Village Justice Richard L. O'Rourke, is facing the following charges: second-degree criminal trespassing, a misdemeanor, third-degree attempted escape from custody, a misdemeanor and third-degree criminal mischief, a felony.

He was sent to Putnam Correctional Facility in Carmel on $3,500 cash or $7,000 bond bail, pending an appearance in Brewster Justice Court Monday.

The complainant did not know the defendant, officials said, adding that Cummings said he had been walking in the area. Village officials plan to seek reimbursement for the repairs.