WATERTOWN, NY — A Watertown Police Department lieutenant was arrested Thursday on charges stemming from a September incident involving a juvenile at a public safety building.
James R. Spencer, 57, of Watertown, was charged with harassment in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child, New York State Police said.
The investigation began after the Watertown Police Department reported a use-of-force incident at the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building on Sept. 24 at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Police said a guardian drove a male juvenile to the Jefferson County Public Safety Building to have an officer speak with him.
The juvenile refused to enter the building and ran into nearby bushes, police said.
Two Watertown Police Department officers and a Jefferson County detective made contact with the juvenile and began escorting him toward the building while holding his hands, according to police.
As Spencer approached to assist, the juvenile kicked off one of his shoes, striking Spencer near the groin, police said.
Spencer then used force to place the juvenile on the ground to handcuff him, police said.
The juvenile was brought to the front of the building and released to his legal guardian.
Spencer was arrested at State Police Watertown based on a criminal summons issued by City of Watertown Court.
He is scheduled to appear in City of Watertown Court for arraignment Thursday at 11 a.m.
