On Thursday, Auburn Police arrested Christopher Barnwell following a reported domestic incident and a subsequent altercation at a local park.
Officers were initially dispatched at approximately 3:30 p.m. to the area of Seward Park on South Street for a report of a domestic dispute. The victim alleged that Barnwell approached them while sitting on a park bench, got into their personal space, flinched as if to strike them, swatted their hand away, and threatened them.
At approximately 4:40 p.m., an officer on patrol observed two males fighting at Veterans Memorial Park and discovered Barnwell pinned to the ground. After officers separated the men, Barnwell reportedly left the area despite instructions to stay. A second officer attempted to arrest him regarding the earlier domestic incident, at which point Barnwell allegedly pulled away before being taken to the ground and taken into custody.
Due to a reported history of domestic violence, Barnwell was charged with felony counts of first-degree criminal contempt and aggravated family offense, as well as second-degree criminal contempt, resisting arrest, and second-degree harassment.
Barnwell was processed at Auburn Police Department headquarters and transported to the Cayuga County Jail for arraignment.
