MELBOURNE, Fla. — A hostile crowd assaulted a Melbourne police officer while he was trying to arrest a combative man, authorities said.
Melbourne police said the officer was arresting 22-year-old Phoenix Low of Melbourne early Saturday on a city ordinance violation of carrying an open container of alcohol near New Haven Avenue.
A police statement said Low became combative and attempted to run before the officer wrestled him to the ground.
Cmdr. Vince Pryce said a crowd gathered and began striking and pulling at the officer, who took out his Taser and told "the aggressive advancing crowd" to get back.
Pryce said the officer suffered cuts and bruises.
Along with the ordinance violation, Low was charged with resisting an officer and battery on a law enforcement officer. He was released late Sunday from the Brevard County Jail.