SAUGERTIES – A 48-year-old Saugerties man was released on his own recognizance twice following incidents that occurred at the Wenton Motel at 3127 Route 9W in the Town of Saugerties.
Police said on the afternoon of August 5, James Rucano was arrested and charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, reckless endangerment and harassment in connection with a domestic incident involving a female victim.
During that incident, he reportedly struck the women in the face and obstructed her ability to breath.
He was taken into custody at the scene and released with an order of protection specifically ordering Rucano to stay away from the victim and not to harass or communicate with the victim.
The following day, Saugerties Police received a complaint from the woman that Rucano had contacted her on her cell phone by calling and texting in violation of the previously issued order of protection.
The court order had been issued to Rucano one hour prior to the alleged incident.
He was arraigned again and released on his own recognizance to appear in town court at a later date.
