SAHUARITA, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - Officers in Sahuarita were assaulted by man under the influence of dangerous drug.
Offier Kelly Santos, spokesperson with the Sahuarita Police Department says officers were dispatched to the Shell Station located at 795 W. Via Rancho Sahuarita.
Store staff were concerned about a patron’s erratic and suspicious behavior, Santos said.
When officers arrived the store clerk stated that a man, later identified as 43-year-old Ceferino Portela, took off running.
Ceferino had been seen running on the property of the Sahuarita Intermediate School by school staff, Santos said.
Officers made contact with Ceferino at Sahuarita Road and Desert Gem.
Verbal orders were given to Ceferino to which he complied. As officers were attempting to detain Ceferino, he assaulted one officer by kicking him in the face and attempted to bite another one, Santos said. A taser was deployed which enabled officers to place Ceferino in handcuffs.
Ceferino was arrested for Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer and Resisting Arrest. Additional charges are pending.
Ceferino is believed to have been under the influence of a dangerous drug. After being medically cleared, Ceferino was then transported and booked into the Pima County Jail.
All the officers involved in this incident returned to work with minimal injuries, Santos said.
