WILLIAMSBURG — A Williamsburg police officer was allegedly struck several times by a suspect during a vehicle stop Saturday, according to a post on the Williamsburg Police and Fire Department Facebook page.
The 19-year-old male driver, whom police did not identify, was arrested and faces numerous charges.
According to the post, the officer was dispatched to the report of an erratic driver just before 9 p.m. The post alleges that the officer tried to make contact with the driver and that he was not cooperative.
He then allegedly jumped back into the driver’s seat, backed up, and then drove forward, allegedly twice striking the officer with his vehicle.
Police reported that the suspect continued to fight with the officer while the officer attempted to place him under arrest, and that a civilian stepped in to help the officer.
At one point during the struggle, the officer’s radio came off his duty belt, and the suspect struck him in the face with it, according to the post.
Several officers and state troopers subsequently arrived to provide backup and the suspect was eventually placed under arrest.
He is being charge with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, operating a motor vehicle without a license, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and resisting arrest. A passenger in the suspect’s vehicle was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice after allegedly tampering with evidence.
Both parties were released on their own recognizance and are scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning.
The post reports that the officer suffered minor injuries, and was released from the hospital.
Williamsburg Police are looking for civilian video of the incident.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.