SOUTH CAROLINA — Two people were arrested over the weekend following a drug and firearm investigation near America and Jackson streets, according to the Charleston Police Department.
Officers were patrolling the area around 6:40 p.m. on Saturday when they observed two individuals allegedly smoking marijuana inside a parked vehicle.
The driver, identified as 37-year-old Mark Austin, complied with officers and was taken into custody without incident.
He was charged with possession of ecstasy and possession of marijuana.
The passenger, 36-year-old Donatae Williams, refused multiple verbal commands to exit the vehicle, police said.
Charleston police officials stated, “After several warnings, officers opened the door and attempted to detain Williams; however, once outside, he tried to flee and physically pulled away from officers while resisting attempts to be handcuffed.
“On the ground, he continued to resist by placing his arms underneath his body and pulling his legs beneath him while shouting for help,” Charleston PD said.
“Despite numerous verbal commands and advisement that he was under arrest, Williams did not comply. Officers maintained control of the situation until additional units arrived and assisted in securing him safely.”
Once taken into custody, Williams was found in possession of marijuana and a loaded pistol with an extended magazine.
Police noted he is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a 2022 conviction for manufacturing and distributing cocaine base.
Williams is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, resisting arrest, and possession of marijuana.
Both Austin and Williams were booked into the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center.
In a press release, Charleston Police acknowledged a cellphone video circulating online, stating the video reflects “only the final minutes of a longer encounter” that began well before the recording started.
