NEWTOWN, CT — A man faces multiple charges after allegedly punching a police officer and placing him in a chokehold during a disturbance call on Hanover Road.
Daniel Morris, 40, of Newtown, was arrested Nov. 23 following the incident.
Police responded to a 911 call reporting a disturbance in the area around 9:30 a.m.
Officer Hyvarinen made contact with Morris, who initially raised his hands in an apparent gesture of surrender.
Morris then struck the officer in the face with a closed fist, according to police.
As Officer Hyvarinen attempted to gain control of the situation, Morris actively resisted and placed the officer in a headlock, police said.
Officer Hyvarinen broke free by lifting the 220-pound suspect overhead.
The physical altercation continued on the ground, during which Morris struck the officer in the face a second time, police said.
Both Officer Hyvarinen and Morris sustained minor facial injuries during the incident.
Morris was evaluated on scene by emergency medical personnel and transported to Danbury Hospital, where he was medically cleared.
Morris was charged with assault on public safety personnel, interfering with an officer/resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
He was held on $75,000 bond and scheduled for arraignment at Danbury Superior Court on Nov. 24.
