ROME — Officers from the Rome Police Department’s Patrol Division observed a male operating an electric scooter in the middle of the roadway in the 500 block of South James Street on Wednesday at approximately 8 a.m.
Officers initiated a traffic stop for vehicle and traffic violations.
The operator fled and resisted officers as they attempted to take him into custody.
Officers were eventually able to take the operator into custody.
The suspect was identified as Shawn E. Westcott, 39, of Rome.
During a search following his arrest, officers discovered quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as a switchblade knife in his possession.
While Westcott was being processed at Rome Police Department, he damaged a phone that was in the booking room.
Westcott was subsequently charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (intent to sell), a class B felony.
He was also charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree, a class D felony.
Additional charges include criminal mischief in the 4th degree, resisting arrest and multiple vehicle and traffic violations.
Following processing at Rome Police Department headquarters, Westcott was transported to Oneida County Jail CAP for arraignment.
