Updated: 10/25/2009 10:26 AM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: LUKE GARRISON

Man Transported by Police Escapes and Assaults Officer

Woodbury police responded to a call Friday night about a man jumping in and out of a freezing pond. They rescued him and put him in a squad car to get him medical help, but they did not expect what happened next.

Woodbury Police brought him to Westfields Hospital where doctors concluded the man needed a psychiatric evaluation.

After his hospital stay, New Richmond officers transported the man to St. Paul. Along the way, the man managed to free himself from chains around his waist and legs.

"It's unusual somebody with the belly restraints and handcuffs gets free, but this individual managed to take his pants off in the backseat and started causing a scene," said New Richmond Police Chief Mark Samelstad.

The officer transporting the man says he began hitting himself against the barrier that separates the front and back of the car. When he pulled over to call for help, police say the man managed to get out and fought with the officer.

Washington County Officials and Woodbury police say they eventually found the 31-year-old man Saturday morning outside a Gander Mountain store in Woodbury, about one mile from where he assaulted an officer.

The man was taken to Regions Hospital for cold-related injuries and further evaluation. The officer has an injured wrist and scraped wrist, but is otherwise doing fine.