The Charleston Police Department has arrested two individuals following a drug and firearm investigation on America Street near Jackson Street. The Department is aware of video footage circulating on social media that depicts the final minutes of the arrest. As is often the case, the incident captured on cell phone video reflects only the final minutes of a longer encounter that began well before the recording started.
While patrolling the area on July 5, 2025 around 6:40 p.m., officers observed two individuals smoking marijuana inside of a parked vehicle. The driver, Mark Austin (37), complied with officers and was taken into custody without incident. He was found to be in possession of ecstasy and marijuana and is charged with possession of ecstasy and possession of marijuana.
The passenger, Dontae Williams (36), refused multiple verbal commands to exit the vehicle. After several warnings, officers opened the door and attempted to detain him. Once outside the vehicle, Williams tried to flee, physically pulled away from officers, and actively resisted efforts to place him in handcuffs. On the ground, he continued to resist by placing his arms underneath his body and pulling his legs beneath him while shouting for help, as depicted in the video.
Despite numerous verbal commands and advisement that he was under arrest, Williams did not comply. Officers maintained control of the situation until additional units arrived and assisted in securing him safely. After being taken into custody, Williams was found to be in possession of marijuana and a loaded pistol with an extended magazine. He is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a 2022 conviction for manufacturing and distributing cocaine base.
Williams is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, resisting arrest, and possession of marijuana.
Both suspects were booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center.
Statement from Chief Chito Walker:
“Illegal drug use paired with the presence of a loaded gun, especially in the hands of someone legally prohibited from possessing one, is an unpredictable and dangerous situation for the public and for our officers. Individuals who refuse lawful commands during an arrest increase the risk of harm to everyone involved. As this case demonstrates, when an individual resists arrest, officers are required to act swiftly to make sure the situation remains under control. Public safety depends on accountability, and compliance with lawful orders is not optional.”
Dontae Williams
Gun with loaded extended magazine
Mark Austin
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Media Release
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Media Contact: Lt. A. Gibson
E-mail: cpdpublicinformationteam@charleston-sc.gov