Thread: 2 officers assaulted at Escondido accident scene

2 officers assaulted at Escondido accident scene

By Michelle Breier
Monday, January 3, 2011 at 7:11 p.m.

ESCONDIDO — Two Escondido police officers suffered serious injuries Monday when they were attacked after responding to an accident.

A 35-year-old Escondido man was in custody, and expected to be booked into Vista jail Monday night with an immigration hold because of a prior deportation, Lt. Craig Carter said. He was being held on several charges, including assault on a peace officer, driving under the influence and taking a weapon other than a firearm from an officer, Carter said.

Officers Tim Kelly and Chris Leso arrived at 10:57 a.m. to the scene of an accident at Vista Verde Way and Loreto Glen in northeast Escondido. They found an unoccupied truck that had struck a wood barrier, Carter said. Witnesses said the driver had fled.

The officers called for a tow, and about 11:50, a man emerged from trees nearby and became irate, Carter said. He made a sign of the cross, took a fighting stance and charged the officers, who ordered him several times in Spanish and English to stop resisting.

The officers used a Taser, but to no effect. The man hit the officers in the head and back, and they returned strikes with a baton.

Leso and Kelly called for backup, and the assailant was in custody within minutes. Officers found a large knife in the man’s pocket, Carter said.

He will be tested for drugs and alcohol, the lieutenant said.

Kelly and Leso were treated at a hospital, and likely will require further medical evaluation, Carter said.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011 ... ent-scene/

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