Elmira, NY – Two Elmira men were arrested this week in separate incidents involving an alleged knife threat at a retail store and an outstanding felony-related court warrant, according to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, Joseph T. Kerr, 52, of Elmira, was arrested on Thursday, December 19, following an alleged menacing incident at the Walmart located in the Town of Horseheads. Investigators say Kerr allegedly threatened staff members with a knife inside the store.
Kerr was charged with Menacing in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor under New York State law. Authorities reported that he was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Horseheads Town Court at a later date.
In a separate arrest, Jonathan D. Vanhouten, 44, of Elmira, was taken into custody on December 19 on an outstanding bench warrant for Failure to Appear, according to officials. The warrant stems from prior charges of Burglary in the Third Degree and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.
The bench warrant was originally issued by Chemung County Court on October 27, 2025, after Vanhouten allegedly failed to appear for a scheduled court proceeding. Following his arrest, Vanhouten was transported to the Chemung County Jail, where he is being held pending arraignment in Chemung County Court.
The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that arrest information reflects allegations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with additional information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact local authorities.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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