CORTLANDVILLE, N.Y. – Police charged a Cortland man with criminal contempt and harassment after he allegedly violated a court order issued against him.
Michael A. Buchalla, 30, was arrested Tuesday morning after state troopers responded to a 911 report of a dispute in a plaza parking lot on State Route 222 in the town of Cortlandville.
Michael A. Buchalla (photo provided)
According to police, Buchalla had been driving his moped behind the victim, followed her vehicle into the parking lot and stopped.
During a verbal argument, Buchalla grabbed her hair, took her car keys and eventually drove away, police said. His conduct violated an order of protection that had been placed against him.
Buchalla was later found at his home, arrested and arraigned at Cortlandville Town Court. He was charged with second-degree criminal contempt, a misdemeanor, and second-degree harassment, a violation.
He was taken to Cortland County jail in lieu of $100 cash bail or $250 property bond. His next court date is July 6.
