A Tucson Police Department motorcycle officer was hit by another motorcyclist while he was attempting a traffic stop on him late Saturday night near Speedway and Campbell.
Officer Schween and Officer Murphy of the Tucson Police Department were conducting traffic enforcement in the area when they reported two motorcyclists speeding. Both officers got behind the motorcycle riders to pull the pair over.
Both riders eventually stopped for a red light at Campbell Avenue. But, when both officers tried to approach them, one rider ran the red light and fled eastbound on Speedway
The other rider was identified as 25-year-old Robert Persico III. TPD said, Persico accelerated forward with the front tire off the ground and struck Officer Schween's motorcycle, narrowing missing him.
Officer Murphy then rushed over and pulled Persico from the motorcycle and was he taken into custody without further incident.
Both officers are okay.
Persico had minor injuries, but did not need to be transported to the hospital.
He is now facing felony charges, including Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer with a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Damage, Possession of Narcotic Drug and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
The other suspect was able to get away, but officers do not have a description on that individual.
