NY State Police Arrest Watertown Police Lieutenant
- The NY Pulse
- Nov 19
- 1 min read
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, following an investigation, the New York State Police arrested Lieutenant James R. Spencer, age 57, of the Watertown Police Department, for Harassment in the Second Degree (violation) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class A misdemeanor).
The investigation began after the Watertown Police Department reported an incident involving a use-of-force occurrence at the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building on September 24, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m. involving a male juvenile.
The investigation determined that the juvenile’s guardian drove to the Jefferson County Public Safety Building to have an officer speak with the juvenile. The juvenile refused to enter the building and ran into nearby bushes. Two Watertown Police Department officers and a Jefferson County Detective made contact with the juvenile and began escorting him toward the building while holding his hands.
As Spencer approached to assist, the juvenile kicked off one of his shoes, striking Spencer near the groin. Spencer then used force to place the juvenile on the ground in order to handcuff him. The juvenile was brought to the front of the building and released back to his legal guardian.
Spencer was arrested at SP Watertown based on a criminal summons issued by the City of Watertown Court. He is scheduled to appear in the City of Watertown Court for arraignment on November 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
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