MINEVILLE, NY — New York State Police arrested a 30-year-old man on March 11 and charged him with two counts of Burglary 1st Degree, Assault 2nd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree.
James P. Backus Jr., of Mineville, was also charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th Degree in connection with a separate incident.
Troopers responded to Plank Road in Mineville on March 9 at approximately 8 a.m. for a report of a physical altercation.
An investigation determined that Backus entered a residence after previously being advised by the victim and State Police that he was no longer welcome on the property.
The victim exited the residence in an attempt to avoid an altercation and waited outside for Backus to leave.
When the victim re-entered the residence, Backus allegedly struck him in the head with a small pot, causing a laceration near the victim’s right eye.
The victim declined medical attention.
Backus then fled the area.
Troopers and members of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office searched the area but were unable to locate Backus at that time.
On March 11, members of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office observed Backus leaving a residence in a gray Toyota Highlander.
A traffic stop was conducted and Backus was taken into custody without incident.
He was transported to SP Schroon Lake for processing.
Further investigation determined Backus was also involved in a separate incident that occurred on Feb. 10 at approximately 12:30 p.m. involving a larceny complaint.
The investigation determined Backus was in possession of a stolen 2011 Arctic Cat snowmobile.
Backus was arraigned in the Town of Schroon Court and remanded to the Essex County Jail.
State Police were assisted by the Essex County Sheriff’s Department and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
