A motorist faces two felony charges, after he allegedly attacked a police officer during a traffic stop in LaPorte County.
Around 7:30 Thursday morning, Patrick Wilson, 27, was pulled over for speeding on U.S. 20 near County Road 350 East. LaPorte County Sheriff’s Deputy David Francis determined Wilson was driving with a suspended license, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
After Wilson allegedly refused to have someone with a valid license come and pick up the vehicle, a wrecker was called. But when it got there, Wilson reportedly wouldn’t get out of the car, and another officer had to be called in to assist.
After both officers ordered Wilson to exit the vehicle several times without a response, police say Wilson suddenly threw open the door, nearly hitting Francis in the head, and then lunged at him. With the two of them reportedly wrestling in the passing lane of U.S. 20, the other officer then pushed them both to the edge of the roadway. That caused all three of them to fall to the ground, with Wilson landing on top of Francis.
Francis was taken to LaPorte Hospital with a bruised elbow and was cleared to return to duty. Wilson was charged with Battery to a Police Officer and Resisting Law Enforcement, both Level 6 felonies. He was also cited for speeding and having a suspended driver’s license. Wilson is scheduled to appear in LaPorte Circuit Court Friday.
