An Auburn man led police on a chase by car and by foot Thursday, at times using his hand or a cell phone to simulate a handgun in an effort to commit "suicide by cop," police said.
Christopher L. Copeland II, 29, 65 South St., is facing multiple misdemeanor charges after what police said began as a domestic incident, according to the Auburn Police Department.
Police said that as officers approached 65 South St. in response to a complaint, Copeland left the scene in a woman's vehicle and led police on a chase. During the pursuit, police said, Copeland appeared to be holding a gun to his head.
The car crashed into a snowbank at the intersection of Swift and Steel streets, and Copeland ran off through surrounding backyards, police said. Reverse 911 was used to call homes in the area, because officers were not sure if the suspect was armed.
Police found Copeland hiding behind a home on Swift Street, and he eventually complied with officers and surrendered, police said.
The area that Copeland had run through was searched, and no weapon was recovered, leading police to believe that Copeland was using a cellphone or his hand to make it appear as though he had weapon so that officers would shoot him.
Copeland was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing; endangering the welfare of a child; third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle; fourth-degree criminal mischief; fleeing an officer; and resisting arrest. He was arraigned at Auburn City Court and remanded to the Cayuga County Jail on $25,000/$5,000 cash bail/bond.
Anyone with information may contact the Auburn Police Department at (315) 253-3231. Callers may remain anonymous.
