LIBERTY — On April 15, officers from the Village of Liberty Police Department responded to a reported assault that occurred on North Main Street within the Village of Liberty. Upon arrival, officers determined that a village resident had been assaulted after being punched multiple times in the back of the head. The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival.

Through investigation, officers learned that the assault occurred in front of the Family Dollar store and that the suspect was wearing a green Nike jumpsuit. Continued investigation led to the identification of the suspect as Taleek Watkins, age 26, of Monticello.

On April 21, Liberty Police Officers located Watkins standing in front of the Knight’s Inn motel on State Route 52 in the Village of Liberty. When officers attempted to make contact, Watkins fled on foot into a wooded area. Officers pursued Watkins, and after a lengthy foot chase through the woods, he was apprehended and taken into custody.

Watkins was charged with Assault in the Third Degree and Resisting Arrest, both misdemeanors.

He was arraigned in the Town of Liberty Court and released on his own recognizance in accordance with New York State Bail Reform laws.

Criminal charges are merely allegations that a defendant has committed violations of the criminal law, and as such they are not evidence of guilt. All defendants have a presumption of innocence and are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the burden of the State of New York to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.