GROVES — A Groves police officer was assaulted while on a call of a man acting erratically in the parking lot of a local fast food restaurant on Monday.

Groves Police City Marshal Norman Reynolds Jr. said the officer, who has not been named, responded to Wendy’s, 4600 Twin City Hwy. shortly after 1 p.m. on a call of a man acting erratic.

“He (suspect) had already approached several customers, jumping in and out of his vehicle, and customers were concerned about his behavior,” Reynolds said.

The responding officer parked her vehicle behind the suspect vehicle and told him to get out. The suspect, who is in his mid-40’s and from Lumberton, reportedly ignored the officer’s requests and instead revved his engine.

The officer attempted to get the man out of his vehicle when the incident became violent.

“She tried to get him out of the car and he punched her a couple of times in the face,” he said. “We were able to apprehend him shortly after.”

Backup arrived and officers were able to gain control of the suspect quickly.

Based on the man’s behavior prior to police arrival Reynolds believes the man may have been under the influence of some sort of intoxicant.

The suspect was transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility where he’s being charged with assault on a peace officer.

Reynolds said he is proud of how the officer handled the incident as well as the citizens who came forward with statements.

“I’m very proud of the response we had from the citizens there,” he said. “We had a total of five people who stood by and came in and gave statements on the incident. That means a lot. Nowadays there are a lot of people who prefer not to get involved.”

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