A 19-year-old De Soto man wanted in St. Louis on an outstanding warrant allegedly assaulted a De Soto Police officer who was trying to take the suspect into custody at City Hall. The suspect was at City Hall to pay a water bill when a police officer recognized him as a man wanted for an alleged weapons violation charge in St. Louis, De Soto Police Chief Rick Draper said.
“The officer made contact with the man who gave the officer a fake name initially,” Draper said. “The officer got one handcuff on him and he struck the officer in the face with a closed fist and attempted to go out the front door.”
The police officer wrestled with the suspect as he made his way to and then through the door and onto the City Hall grounds. The officer used pepper spray on the man, cornered him in a flower bed and ultimately was able to take him down, subdue him and take him into custody, Draper said.
The officer sustained minor injuries.
“He has some superficial marks from the punch that landed,” Draper said. “He is not seeking medical attention.”
Draper said the officer should be commended.
“The officer did a very good job, outstanding work,” Draper said.
He said the suspect likely will be held at the De Soto Police Department for St. Louis Police to pick up.
De Soto Police will seek charges against the suspect for assaulting a police officer and attempting to escape custody, Draper said.