Danbury police have arrested a man accused of “viciously assaulting” a Danbury police officer.
Pierre Elhayek, 20, of Danbury, is charged with assault on a police officer, interfering with a police officer, breach of peace and criminal mischief after police said he attacked an officer Saturday night.
According to a Danbury police press release, Officer Joe Pooler was in his marked patrol cruiser parked at Jimmy’s Market at 38 Germantown Road around 11 p.m. when he spotted a man, later identified as Elhayek, pacing up and down the road. Elhayek approached Pooler’s vehicle and began banging on it, according to police.
Pooler got out of the cruiser thinking Elhayek needed his help. According to police, Elhayek then struck Pooler in the side of the head and ear. Police said Elhayek repeatedly punched and kicked Pooler. During the struggle Pooler lost his Taser and could not reach his radio, police said.
The officer eventually was able to get back to the safety of his cruiser and radioed for help, police said. Several officers arrived and Elhayek was arrested after a struggle.
Pooler was treated and released from Danbury Hospital.
Elhayek is currently being held on a $250,000 bond.
