Melbourne, FLORIDA — Police in Florida say one of their Officers was attacked by an unruly crowd while attempting to make an arrest.
The Officer was attempting to apprehend 22-year-old Phoenix Low of Melbourne early Saturday. Low was allegedly violating an open container law.
Police say the suspect began fighting and ran. The Officer took Low to the ground.
A group of onlookers became violent and beat the Officer, pulling him off of the suspect. The unnamed Officer pulled a taser and told the crowd to disperse.
From Florida Today: “Melbourne Police report that the distraction from the crowd allowed Low to escape briefly as he ran eastbound before he was tracked down and finally taken into custody.
Police say this is the second incident in successive weeks where crowds have attempted to interfere as they arrested someone and been hostile toward an officer. In both cases, officers maintained control of the suspects and ultimately were able to take them into custody.
Low is charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting with violence, resisting without violence and having an open container of alcohol.”
The Officer is recovering after suffering cuts and bruises.
(Photo of suspect via Melbourne Police Department)
