NYS Police: Vermont man spit blood at troopers

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. » Two Vermont residents were arrested on various charges in connection with an incident where one of the two is accused of resisting arrest and spitting blood at troopers.

State Police in Queensbury arrested Jordan L. Champion, 27, for second-degree assault (felony), second-degree obstruction of governmental administration (misdemeanor), resisting arrest (misdemeanor), and five counts of second-degree harassment. Police also charged Joan M. Abbott, 32, with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Both are residents of Richmond, Vermont.

Police said troopers observed Abbott commit multiple traffic violations as she traveled on state Route 149 in the town of Fort Ann, and a traffic stop was initiated. Upon speaking with Abbott, troopers observed signs indicative of drug use and asked Abbott to exit the vehicle. Troopers also asked Abbott’s passenger, Champion, to exit the vehicle.

Police said Champion refused and became aggressive, cursing at patrols. Champion eventually exited the car and charged one of the troopers, striking them with his body. Police said he struck the trooper in the head multiple times while resisting being taken into custody. Champion was eventually secured in handcuffs, but continued to be combative.

A search of the vehicle revealed that Abbott was in possession of two glass tubes containing cocaine residue, and a quantity of marijuana was located in the center console of the car.

Abbott was transported to SP Queensbury for processing. She was released with an appearance ticket and is due in Fort Ann Town Court on Aug. 19.

Champion was also transported to SP Queensbury for processing. While in custody at the barracks police said Champion asked to smoke a cigarette, and

was advised he would have to wait until processing was completed. Champion became irate and caused significant damage to the wall and bench where he was secured.

He was able to flip the bench, injuring himself in the process, and then proceeded to spit blood at the five troopers who were present. Champion was subsequently transported to Glen Falls Hospital for treatment.

After being released from the hospital, Champion was transported to Washington County Centralized Arraignment Part where he continued to be vulgar and uncooperative with patrols. He was arraigned and remanded to Washington County Jail on $1,500 cash or $3,000 bond. He is due in Fort Ann Town Court on Aug. 19.