Photo: Douglas Sacha / Moment / Getty Images
Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecile has defended officers seen in a viral video hitting a suspect during an arrest on Saturday (April 19). The incident occurred on Wolf Street in Syracuse, where officers were attempting to arrest 33-year-old Kyle Williams, who was wanted on multiple felony warrants. The video, shared on social media, shows officers punching Williams while trying to restrain him.
According to Chief Cecile, Williams was armed with two knives and a loaded .38 caliber handgun at the time of his arrest. The officers were initially on Wolf Street following up on a stolen vehicle report when they were alerted to Williams' presence. He was wanted for three separate domestic violence incidents, including one where he allegedly assaulted a woman and threatened her with a gun.
As officers approached Williams, they informed him of his warrants and attempted to arrest him. The video shows Williams resisting arrest and reaching for his waistband, where the knives were visible. Officers used "tactical strikes" to subdue him, according to Chief Cecile's statement.
Once restrained, a loaded handgun and a straight razor were found on Williams. He now faces charges of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest, in addition to his outstanding warrants for assault, menacing, and harassment.
Chief Cecile applauded the officers for their actions, stating that their proactive police work helps keep the Syracuse community safe. Williams was taken to Upstate University Hospital for evaluation of his facial injuries before being booked.