WEST LEBANON — A 35-year-old Enfield man was arrested at a West Lebanon Walmart on June 12 after a physical altercation with police that left an officer injured.
Joshua Champney was spotted at the store at approximately 7:54 p.m. by Lebanon police, who had received a report about the wanted individual.
Champney had multiple outstanding warrants, including a parole violation, a warrant for resisting arrest, and was out on bail for felon in possession of a dangerous weapon and driving under the influence.
When an officer attempted to arrest Champney, a physical altercation began and Champney fled on foot through the parking lot, initiating a foot pursuit.
Police deployed a taser during the pursuit, but Champney continued to resist.
During the struggle, Champney bit the officer and attempted to gouge the officer’s eyes with his thumbs, according to police.
Champney was arrested with assistance from additional Lebanon officers.
A search of Champney’s belongings revealed he was in possession of a firearm that was later discovered to be stolen from a Lebanon residence.
Champney was charged with two counts of resisting arrest, two counts of simple assault, and breach of bail, all Class A misdemeanors.
He also faces charges of burglary and receiving stolen property, both Class A felonies, felon in possession of a dangerous weapon and second-degree assault, both Class B felonies, and armed career criminal, a special felony.
Champney was transported to the Grafton County House of Corrections, where he is being held on preventative detention pending his arraignment scheduled for June 13.
The officer sustained injuries during the incident and was treated and released from the hospital.
