A shoplifting suspect is accused of assaulting the West Hartford police officer who was trying to take him into custody Wednesday night, according to police.
Police said officers responded to Walgreens on North Main Street just after 5:15 p.m. and the suspected shoplifter had fled.
When an officer grabbed the suspect, 49-year-old Donald Anderson hit the officer in the head with a heavy bag, then ran in backyards, police said.
After the officer caught up to him, Anderson got into a fighting stance and hit the officer again, according to police.
As the officer tried to detain Anderson, the suspect forced the officer to the ground and punched the officer in the head, according to police.
When the officer kicked him off, Anderson ran and police were able to detain him.
The officer and Anderson were both evaluated at a hospital.
Local
Anderson was charged with second-degree assault, assault on a police officer, interfering with police and sixth-degree larceny. Police said he will be held on $250,000 bond.
