Police say drunk bystander at accident fought with police
By Eugene Driscoll
Staff Writer
Updated: 11/28/2008 11:57:38 PM EST



DANBURY -- A 25-year-old city man was Tased several times after allegedly punching a police sergeant in the chest Friday.

Police said they responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a Chevrolet Blazer at about 4 a.m. on West Street.

Police said several apparently drunk men, including Luis G. Castro, of Danbury, stood on the sidewalk as an officer investigated the crash.

Officers asked the men to move on several times. At one point, police said Castro and the men surrounded the police officer.

They were told again to move away, but Castro allegedly refused.

The sergeant grabbed Castro by the shirt and began to walk him away from the scene.

Castro took two steps and then threw a punch at the sergeant, hitting him in the chest, police said.

An officer then used a Taser on Castro for five seconds. Castro then tried to walk away, causing the sergeant and the officer to tackle him.

They had Castro on his stomach, according to a statement from police, at which point the sergeant was able to get one handcuff on Castro's wrist.

However, Castro buried his other wrist between his stomach and the ground, prompting police to believe he was going for a weapon.

Police again used the Taser on Castro, but, as soon as the Taser stopped, Castro continued to fight, they said.

Police believe they used the Taser on Castro as many as four times.

Two other officers were called to the scene and police were able to take Castro into custody at about 4:20 a.m.

After being brought to the Danbury Hospital emergency room, Castro allegedly told the medical staff he had drank between 12 to 15 beers just prior to the altercation with police.

Castro continued to start trouble, according to police, by looking at a police sergeant while running his finger across his throat in a slashing motion.

When the sergeant asked what the gesture meant, Castro allegedly said "You will see."

He then allegedly said "I go home or you done (sic)," according to court documents.

Castro was charged with assaulting a police officer, interfering with a police officer and second-degree threatening.

After being brought back to the police station from the hospital, police said Castro urinated on himself and the booking room floor.

Police apparently had a hard time booking Castro because he fell asleep during the process.

Castro was arraigned Friday and is due in court again Dec. 19.

Agents from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement placed an immigration detainer on Castro, asking city police to notify them if and when Castro is released.

ICE, according to court documents, is investigating whether Castro was previously deported to his native Mexico.

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