Auburn man accused of striking officer with bucket seeks treatment from VA

AUBURN | An Auburn man accused of assaulting an officer after an alleged road rage incident may receive psychiatric treatment.

James Knight, of 9 Perry St., Apt. 1, appeared Tuesday morning in Cayuga County Court to face an an 11-count indictment charging him with striking an Auburn police officer in the face with a five-gallon bucket and threatening a couple with a collapsible baton.

The 28-year-old defendant sat quietly during his arraignment and when a veterans outreach worker met with Judge Mark Fandrich on his behalf.

After a short conference, Fandrich remanded Knight to the Cayuga County Jail without bail explaining that Knight is seeking to be admitted for psychiatric care at a secure Veterans Affairs' treatment facility near Saranac Lake. If Knight makes it through the admission process, Fandrich said he would consider releasing Knight for treatment.

Quietly nodding after hearing Fandrich's decision, Knight was escorted out of the courtroom.

The alleged incident that ended in Knight's arrest occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6.

According to police, Knight followed another vehicle to Generations Bank on North Seward Avenue. Reportedly angry about a traffic-related incident, Knight allegedly pulled up next to the vehicle and started to shout at the passengers.

Police said Knight then got out of his car armed with a baton and hit the hood of the couple's car with the baton and his fists.

When police arrived on scene, Knight was reportedly driving away from the bank.

Knight was pulled over near his Perry Street home, where police said he refused to stay in his vehicle. A struggle ensued outside the vehicle escalating when Knight allegedly hit the officer in the face with a bucket.

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Auburn man accused of striking officer with bucket seeks treatment from VA