Alfred police deploy taser on burglary suspect after foot chase, search

Mbemba Tambajang

An Alfred police officer deployed a taser gun Sunday afternoon on a man authorities say fled from them after he allegedly committed multiple crimes. Mbemba Tambajang, 22, was taken by ambulance to St. James Hospital in Hornell for evaluation. Alfred Police Chief Paul Griffith told WRN Sunday evening that an officer remained with Tambajang and once he was medically cleared, he was taken into custody. Chief Griffith said the following charges were file today:

1. Second-degree burglary, Class D felony
2. Petit Larceny
3. Resisting arrest
4. Possession of burglar tools
5. Possession of stolen property
6. Criminal trespass

At the time of today's incident, Tambajang was on pre-trial release for allegedly committing other burglaries in Alfred in May. Arraigned in court, he was remanded to the Allegany County Jail on $50,000 bail.
According to the police chief, the suspect allegedly entered a home on South Main Street but was surprised by an occupant. The suspect fled into a wooded area. A K9 unit from Canisteo Police responded, along with University Police, Andover Police and State Troopers. Griffith said the K-9 located the suspect "within minutes." When he began running again, Alfred officer Kurt Amidon "tased him." Police said they recovered several items where Tambajang was hiding, to include clothing, a screwdriver, and car keys. Police said the keys were allegedly stolen from the Alfred Montessori School. Chief Griffith says the investigation is ongoing and he believes additional charges will be filed.