A Chatham Township man is facing several charges after allegedly assaulting a police officer who was trying to help him.
The incident happened shortly before midnight on Tuesday near Wallaceburg, when an officer on general patrol noticed a man riding a bike on St. Clair Road near Heritage Line. The man was riding against traffic, wearing dark clothing, and with no lights on his bike.
According to police, the officer was concerned for the man's safety and tried to stop and talk with him about the importance of road safety. However, the man ignored the officer and proceeded to ride away. When the officer attempted to stop the man and learn his identity, he swerved his bike into the front bumper of the police cruiser, causing minor damage.
The man then got off his bicycle and grabbed at the officer in an aggressive manner. When the officer got out of his vehicle to arrest the man, he allegedly resisted and threatened the officer.
After a short struggle, the man was taken into custody where he again refused to identify himself. Police eventually learned who he was with the help of fingerprints.
As a result, the 56-year-old has been charged with assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, mischief under $5,000, uttering threats, and failing to identify himself. He was transported to the courthouse and is awaiting a bail hearing.
