The Columbia Police Department is aware of a social media blogger’s video of an officer deploying a department-issued electronic control device, or taser, during a recent call for service. The video does not reflect the full circumstances of the incident.
As a transparent agency, we are providing factual information for clarity purposes.
The Columbia Police Department (CPD) has arrested a 64-year-old man for assaulting a female officer during a recent call for service.
Wesley L. Haltiwanger was arrested and charged with:
Assault on a Police Officer while Resisting Arrest
Threatening the Life of a Public Official
Failure to Stop on Police Command
Pedestrian Unlawfully in the Roadway
Begging – Obstruction of Vehicular Traffic
Haltiwanger has a criminal history of similar violations, and drug violations, public disorderly conduct, soliciting, and aggressive begging.
At approximately 4:30 p.m. on January 19, 2026, a patrol officer made contact with Haltiwanger after observing him walking in the roadway in the 300 block of Harbison Boulevard.
He was holding a sign requesting money and approaching vehicles, posing a clear safety risk. It was the second time law enforcement encountered Haltiwanger that day for similar violations.
Haltiwanger refused repeated verbal commands from the female officer to leave the roadway. As the officer attempted to place Haltiwanger in handcuffs, he’s accused of actively resisting arrest and assaulting the officer by injuring her hand.
Due to his actions, the officer deployed her taser to effectively gain control of the suspect. The officer’s response was reasonable, necessary, and proportional to the use of force continuum.
Chief W.H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook says, “The Columbia Police Department has zero tolerance for assaults on officers. Individuals who choose to resist arrest or attack law enforcement will be held accountable.”
The officer was able to call for assistance from backup units. As a result, Haltiwanger was arrested. As a precaution, EMS was requested to ensure Haltiwanger wasn’t injured during the incident, but he refused medical services.
Haltiwanger was subsequently taken to the Lexington County Detention Center. Per protocol with all uses of force incidents, this call for service is being reviewed.
All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.