Police in New Haven have arrested a 22-year-old parole violator who took a kitchen knife into his bedroom and swung it at officers who confronted him on Thursday, authorities said.
According to police, Ryan Cortez admitted to smoking marijuana and PCP prior to the encounter. His mother called police to their home on Rosette Street out of concern for her son, who went into his room with a filet knife and closed the door.
Officers tried to talk to Cortez, who was lying in bed, but he ignored them, police said. One officer put his hand on Cortez's shoulder, at which point Cortez swung the knife at him and "fought violently."
Cortez finally dropped the knife after a K-9 grabbed his forearm. Police said he pushed an officer to the ground and fell on top of him before police were able to put him in handcuffs.
An ambulance brought Cortez to the hospital for treatment of a dog bite from the K-9. Police said he was aggressive and violent toward hospital staff.
According to police, Cortez has a history of violence and was in violation of his parole.
He was arrested and charged with four counts of criminal attempt to assault police officers, four counts of second-degree threatening, four counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, four counts of interfering with police officers, carrying a dangerous weapon and criminal attempt to commit animal cruelty.
