Charleston, S.C. – Two men were arrested by the Charleston Police Department on Saturday evening following a traffic stop and investigation involving drug use and a firearm. The arrest took place on America Street near the intersection with Jackson Street.
Arrest Details
Dontae Williams, 36, is facing multiple charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, and resisting arrest, according to Lt. Anthony Gibson of the Charleston Police Department. Officers were investigating reports of two people smoking marijuana inside a vehicle when they approached the scene.
Mark Austin, 37, the driver of the vehicle, complied with the officers’ commands and was arrested. He is charged with possession of ecstasy and first-offense possession of marijuana.
Williams’ Resistance to Arrest
The situation escalated when Williams, the passenger, refused to comply with officers’ requests to exit the vehicle. Despite being told multiple times to open the door, Williams continued to resist. After officers forcibly opened the door and attempted to detain him, Williams fled the scene, attempting to run from the officers and physically resisting their efforts to place him in handcuffs.
Williams allegedly continued to resist on the ground, pulling his arms and legs beneath his body while yelling for help. Officers repeatedly told him he was under arrest, and additional officers arrived to assist in detaining him. Once in custody, Williams was found to have marijuana and a loaded pistol with an extended magazine on him.
Charges and Prior Conviction
Williams is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous conviction in 2022 for manufacturing and distributing cocaine base. His possession of the firearm, combined with the illegal drug use, led to his additional charges.
Statement from Chief Chito Walker
Charleston Police Department Chief Chito Walker emphasized the danger of the situation, stating, “Illegal drug use paired with the presence of a loaded gun, especially in the hands of someone legally prohibited from possessing one, is an unpredictable and dangerous situation for the public and for our officers. Individuals who refuse lawful commands during an arrest increase the risk of harm to everyone involved.”
Walker further added, “As this case demonstrates, when an individual resists arrest, officers are required to act swiftly to make sure the situation remains under control. Public safety depends on accountability, and compliance with lawful orders is not optional.”
