Police Use Force to Detain Arson Suspect and Then Find Out He Didn't Do It

Niagara Falls Police responded to the 400 block of 19th Street around 6pm on September 16th after reports of a structure fire.

Upon arrival, officers put out a description of a black male wearing a grey hoodie with the first name 'Timmy' on the 300 block of 19th Street as a possible arson suspect. They relocated to that area and found a black male – later identified as Timmy Wilson – matching the description.

Officers approached Wilson and told him to take his hands out of his pockets in an attempt to detain him, but he turned away from officers. It was at this time officers saw a knife in his front hoodie pocket.

Wilson then took off running east on the 1900 block of Welch Avenue. Officers were able to catch Wilson and place him in handcuffs. Force was used to subdue him.

It was shortly thereafter determined from a witness of the arson that Wilson was not the suspect. Despite this, Wilson was charged with obstruction of governmental administration and resisting arrest.

Wilson denied needing medical attention after the physical altercation while being placed into custody. He was placed in the rear of a patrol vehicle and transported to police headquarters for booking and processing. He was released with an appearance ticket.

No further information is available at this time.

Police Use Force to Detain Arson Suspect and then Find Out He Didn't Do It