A Pevely Police officer sustained an injury the night of New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, while arresting an allegedly intoxicated man who reportedly had been threatening another person.
Capt. Don Moore said officers responded about 11:30 p.m. to a report of a man threatening to kill another person in the parking lot of a business in the 1600 block of Hwy. Z.
“Upon arrival, a lone officer encountered a 22-year-old male in a highly agitated state,” Moore said in a written statement. “The officer placed the subject in handcuffs for safety reasons. The subject became increasingly combative, attempted to break free and threatened to kill the officer.”
Moore said the suspect is from Jefferson County.
He said other officers responded and after safely gaining control of the suspect, determined they had probable cause “to believe he was heavily intoxicated and in need of mental health assistance.”
The man was transported to an area hospital for evaluation and while still handcuffed and placed in a hospital transport chair, “refused to comply with lawful directions and again became aggressive toward officers and hospital security staff,” Moore said.
He said the officer who originally encountered the suspect sustained an injury to his right wrist during the arrest at the parking lot. The officer was treated and placed on light duty for at least one week while recovering, Moore said.
The suspect was later released pending issuance of warrants. He had not been charged as Jan. 5, Moore said.
The man’s name will not be released unless charges are filed. The incident remains under investigation, Moore said.