A weekend police patrol in Charleston led to the arrest of two men after officers reportedly found drugs and an illegal firearm during a traffic stop. The arrests took place near America and Jackson Streets, and the incident has since drawn attention online due to a circulating cellphone video of the scene.
What Happened During the Traffic Stop?
Around 6:40 p.m. on Saturday, Charleston Police were patrolling the area when they spotted two men inside a parked car, allegedly smoking marijuana. Officers approached the vehicle and spoke to the occupants. The driver, 37-year-old Mark Austin, cooperated and was arrested without any problems.
Austin now faces charges of possession of ecstasy and possession of marijuana.
Passenger Refused to Comply
The situation escalated when officers tried to detain the passenger, 36-year-old Donatae Williams. According to police, Williams ignored several commands to exit the vehicle. When officers opened the car door and attempted to detain him, he tried to run and physically resisted arrest.
Police said Williams fought back by pulling away, lying on the ground, tucking his arms under his body, and shouting for help. Officers had to wait for backup to arrive to safely detain him. Despite repeated warnings and being told he was under arrest, Williams continued to resist.
Weapons and Drug Charges Filed
After being taken into custody, Williams was found carrying a loaded pistol with an extended magazine, along with marijuana. Police later confirmed that Williams is not legally allowed to have a gun due to a 2022 conviction for manufacturing and distributing cocaine base.
He has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, resisting arrest, and possession of marijuana.
Both suspects were taken to the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center.
Police Respond to Online Video
After the incident, a cellphone video surfaced on social media showing the last part of the arrest. Charleston Police addressed the video in a press release, explaining that the clip shows only the final minutes of a much longer police interaction.
They emphasized that all actions taken during the arrest were based on multiple attempts to gain cooperation and ensure safety during a tense situation.
Community and Safety Impact
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by Charleston Police to address drug and firearm violations in high-risk areas. While public videos can spark debate, police are reminding the community that short clips may not capture the full context. Authorities continue to focus on both public safety and transparency in such encounters.
A routine patrol in Charleston turned into a significant arrest involving drugs and a firearm. While one man cooperated with officers, the other resisted and was found with a loaded weapon, leading to serious charges. The incident shows the challenges officers face during arrests and the importance of following lawful commands. Police are also encouraging the public to seek out the full context before forming opinions based on partial video footage.
