64 Owego St, Cortland NY, 13045. (Photo provided by Timothy A. Bennett, Owner & Publisher of The Cortland Voice).
A man wanted by state and local law enforcement agencies was arrested Friday evening after a long standoff with police at an apartment on Owego Street. The man was allegedly wielding a homemade firearm.
Adam Tortorice, of Cortland, was charged with second degree burglary, a Class C felony, and the following misdemeanors: criminal mischief fourth degree, obstruction of governmental administration, and resisting arrest. Tortorice allegedly had threatened someone with a homemade gun, Cortland City Police investigators said in a Monday press release. It was later determined Tortorice had outstanding warrants with the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Parole.
Parole officers attempted to apprehend Tortorice, who then fled into a bedroom inside the apartment. He barricaded himself for hours, keeping in communication with parole officers. Police fired non-lethal ammunition, but no shots were fired during the standoff. No injuries were reported by police.
After some time, police say, Tortorice cut a hole in the ceiling and attempted to navigate the inside of the house between the first and second floors. He eventually fell through into a nearby apartment and was quickly apprehended with the assistance of a sheriff’s office K9 unit.
The homemade handgun police alleged was used in the incident was recovered, and is in possession of Cortland Police Department. No charges were filed against Tortorice regarding the weapons since no victim officially came forward, police said.
Tortorice is due in Cortland City Court on Aug. 23.
