INDICTMENT IN ATTEMPTED ARSON AND ASSAULT

DELHI — Delaware County District Attorney Shawn  

J. Smith announced the seven-count indictment of Arthur Cotten, 46 of Sidney on September 12, 

in Delaware County Court.  

It is alleged that on July 19, 2025, Mr. Cotten attempted  

to use gasoline to assault and injure two responding  

Sidney Police officers who were responding to a domestic  

dispute at his home. Prior to their arrival, Cotten had  

caused significant damage to the home that does not  

belong to him by using a crowbar. Other items were also  

damaged.  

Count One of the indictment alleges Attempted Arson in  

the 2nd degree, a Class C Felony. It is alleged that on or about July 19, 2025, Cotten did attempt  to intentionally damage a building by starting a fire while the circumstances were such as to  render the presence of another person who was not a participant in the crime in such building a  reasonable possibility. 

Count Two alleges Attempted Assault in the First Degree, A class C Felony. It is alleged that on  July 19, 2025, Cotten did attempt to cause serious physical injury to another person by means of  a dangerous weapon.  

Count Three alleges Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree, a Class D Felony. It is alleged  that on or about July 19, 2025, Cotten did recklessly engage in conduct which created a grave  risk of another person.  

Count Four alleges Criminal Possession of a Dangerous Weapon in the 1st Degree, a Class B  felony. It is alleged that on or about July 19, 2025, Cotten knowingly possess an explosive  substance with intent to use the same unlawfully against the person or property of another. 

Count Five alleges Resisting Arrest, a class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that on July 19, 2025,  Cotten did attempt to prevent a police officer from effecting an authorize arrest of himself.

Count Six alleges Obstructing Governmental Administration I the Second Degree, a Class A  Misdemeanor. It is alleged that on July 19, 2025, Cotten did intentionally prevent or attempt to  prevent a public servant from performing an official function by means of intimidation, physical  force or interference.  

Finally, Count Seven alleges Menacing in the Second Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor. It is  alleged that on July 19, 2025, Cotton did intentionally place or attempt to place another person in  reasonable fear of physical injury by displaying a dangerous instrument.  

District Attorney commended Officers Terry and Nordberg of the Sidney Police for their calm  under pressure and bravery for engaging the suspect.  

Chief Assistant District Attorney Richard Northrup presented the matter before the Grand Jury. 

Indictments and Criminal Complaints are allegations. All defendants are presumed  innocent unless proven guilty.  

Shawn J. Smith  

District Attorney  

Delaware County