BALTIMORE — A Baltimore Police report reveals how an officer and commander were allegedly assaulted by a suspect who was told to stop squeegeeing in the middle of the road.
Officer Rivera-Centeno was dispatched to the disturbance in the 3100 block of Hollins Ferry Road just before 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Police wrote that Centeno "counseled [the suspect] to get out of the street and not disturb the drivers that didn't want their windows washed."
After ordering him to get out of the road several times, Centeno spoke with the suspect on the sidewalk and asked for his ID to begin writing a citation.
According to the report, the suspect refused to provide his information even after the officer repeatedly asked for his cooperation.
After defying his orders, officer Centeno tried to arrest the suspect. Police say the suspect then began to fight by twisting the officers left hand and fingers while also biting his right hand and forearm area.
Police wrote that the bite broke the skin causing Centeno to bleed.
Other officers including Major Mark Howell arrived to help Centeno take the suspect into custody.
The suspect however continued to fight and allegedly elbowed Major Howell in the eye.
Centeno also said he was grabbed by another male on scene who was trying to help the suspect, while he was being arrested.
That suspect was also arrested.
RELATED: Baltimore Police officers assaulted on Hollins Ferry Road
A witness on scene corroborated Centeno's account according to the report.
In their report, police say both officers were taken to the hospital and later released. Centeno reported feeling pain in his hands, knees, forearms, and lip.
Police haven't yet identified either suspect, but said they are adults.
Commissioner Michael Harrison released a statement calling for the suspects to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
"Violence against our police officers will not be tolerated. Our officers are patrolling our communities every day and continue to work hard to serve our communities. Yesterday afternoon, two officers were fielding a call related to a squeegee complaint, when they were both attacked. Fortunately, they both sustained minor injuries and are in good spirits," said Harrison. "I expect these suspects to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I support the actions of these officers and am proud of the level of professionalism they displayed, even when under attack.
As a community, we must come together to support our police officers and make clear that we will not stand for this type of behavior," Harrison said.
