An Orange Police Officer was sent to the hospital after a man stopped for traffic violations allegedly struck him in the throat and attempted to flee. Luis Rivera, 25, of 282 Terrace Ave., West Haven was arrested on numerous charges and held on a $100,000 bond.
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According to Orange police, a patrol officer stopped a vehicle on Connair Road this morning at approximately 8:15 a.m. The stop was due to the driver allegedly traveling at a high speed and making a left turn that almost caused an accident with another driver.
Police said in a release that the officer asked the driver to step outside the vehicle. Once the driver stepped outside, he struck the officer in the throat and attempted to flee the scene.
A physical struggle ensued between the officer and the arrestee, during which the arresteeis reported by police to have made statements that he would hurt the officer, including “I’m stronger than you” and “I will take you out.” The officer was gained control and made the arrest.
The unidentified officer was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released, although police said he will require further medical follow-up for his injuries.
A search of the Rivera’s vehicle found two heavy bars, each approximately 24 inches long, placed in close access to the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
Rivera was charged with: Weapons in a Motor Vehicle (2 counts), Assault of a Police Officer, Interfering with a Police Officer, Operating a Motor Vehicle without a Driver’s License, Traveling Too Fast, Operating a Motor Vehicle While Operating a Cell Phone and Failure to Grant Right of Way- Left Turn.
Rivera was placed on $100,000 bond and for a scheduled to appear in Derby Superior Court on Thursday, March 10, 2016.