ELLENVILLE, NY — A 29-year-old man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly assaulting employees, damaging property and attempting to grab an officer’s weapon during an incident at a cannabis dispensary.
Thomas John Kennedy Jr., of Kerhonkson, was arrested Tuesday morning by the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force upon his release from Westchester Medical Center.
The Ellenville Police Department responded to a call for a disorderly male at 3:15 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2026, at the Canna dispensary located on Route 209 in the Village of Ellenville.
Police said Kennedy became irate during an interview and began breaking numerous items in the store.
He physically resisted police attempts to take him into custody, according to authorities.
While being transported, Kennedy kicked the door of a marked police unit several times, causing damage to the vehicle, police said.
At the police station, he continued to be aggressive and hostile toward officers, spitting at and threatening them repeatedly, according to police.
Officers determined Kennedy should be transported to Health Alliance Hospital for evaluation.
While being escorted out of the department, Kennedy turned his body quickly and reached for an officer’s duty weapon, police said.
After a brief struggle, he was brought back under control and transported to the hospital for a mental health evaluation.
He was later transferred to Westchester Medical Center for further treatment.
The investigation revealed Kennedy had assaulted two employees and caused over $9,000 in damage to the store, police said.
Kennedy was charged with criminal mischief in the second and third degrees, attempted criminal possession of a firearm in the second degree, all felonies.
He also faces misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, along with two counts of harassment in the second degree and disorderly conduct.
Kennedy was arraigned in CAP court and remanded to Ulster County Jail with bail set at $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond or $100,000 property.
Ellenville Police were assisted by the New York State Police in Wawarsing, Ulster County Sheriff Department, U.S. Marshals Office and the Ellenville Rescue Squad.
