A Southern Tier man was involved in a standoff with State Police while sitting in the middle of the road on a lawnmower.
Troopers were called to a residence in the town of Horseheads for the report of a physical domestic incident. When they arrived on the scene, they found Matthew Chorney on his John Deere riding lawn mower in the road. It is alleged that Chorney refused multiple lawful commands to get off the mower and actively resisted arrest when approached by police.
An investigation revealed that Chorney caused damage inside the home and engaged in threatening behavior toward the victim. He allegedly physically restrained her, prevented her from leaving a room, and acted in a manner that put her health and safety at risk. He also caused a disturbance in other areas of the residence by throwing household items.
Chorney was charged with the following:
- Unlawful Imprisonment 1st (E Felony)
- Aggravated Family Offense (E Felony)
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 1st (E Felony)
- Three counts of Criminal Mischief 4th (A Misdemeanor)
- Reckless Endangerment 2nd (A Misdemeanor)
- Resisting Arrest (A Misdemeanor)
- Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd (A Misdemeanor)
- Driving While Ability Impaired
- Multiple traffic violations
Chorney was arraigned in the Town of Horseheads Court and remanded to the Chemung County Jail in lieu of bail. A full stay-away order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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