Man Accused of Denting Police Car with His Head

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]

A Binghamton man was sent to jail after state police say he damaged a troop car door by striking it repeatedly with his head.

Authorities say 21-year-old Andrew Benjamin was charged with criminal mischief for allegedly causing two dents to the vehicle door.

Investigators say troopers had been called for a shoplifting incident Sunday evening at the Mirabito convenience store on Kattelville Road in the Town of Chenango.

Before police reached the business, Benjamin was spotted walking down a nearby street eating a Slim Jim beef jerky snack and drinking a beer believed to have been stolen from the store.

Police transported Benjamin to the store, where the manager decided to have him arrested for the theft.

Police say while Benjamin was being handcuffed and placed in the troop car, he became irate and resisted. He is said to have struck the outside of the door several times with his head.

In addition to criminal mischief, Benjamin was charged with petit larceny and resisting arrest. He was arraigned in Chenango town court and sent to Broome County Jail on $750 bail.

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.