MELBOURNE, Fla. — Channel 9's Melonie Holt has learned it is the second time a Melbourne police officer has had to face down an aggressive crowd. Police hope it is not the beginning of a trend.
The officer who was surrounded officer was on foot patrol Friday in the 700 block of New Haven Avenue when he said he noticed someone with an open container of alcohol.
According to the officer, when he approached the man he became belligerent and before too long, an entire crowd was grabbing at the officer.
That Melbourne police officer returned to duty Tuesday since the Friday night incident.
Raw: Police describe Melbourne incident
At the time he was surrounded by the crowd he was trying to handcuff Phoenix Low, 22.
According to police there was yelling and pulling, and a vest was pulled from the officer's body.
"My reaction to this is that I'm abhorred that people are still trying to harm the people that are out here to serve and protect us," said Kevin Carlin, manager of the Main Street Pub.
Carlin said he and others downtown work closely with police, who increased their presence after a rash of violence last year.
"There here to help us and people think that they can take a free shot at them is just wrong," Carlin said.
"I think people need to let police do their job and not let outside things affect their behavior," said Cal Caylor, who was visiting downtown Melbourne Tuesday.
On May 12, during the arrest of Twanesha Reynolds, an officer had to hold a crowd back after Reynolds encouraged the crowd to get the officer off of her, police said.
"As you know, these situations can turn very ugly, very fast," said Commander Dan Lynch, of the Melbourne Police Department.
Police believe that area bar patrons may have cellphone video of Friday night's incident and if so police would like to see any video.
Melbourne police are using body cameras as part of a pilot program but the officer involved in the recent incident did not have one.