An Oklahoma City police officer suffered a broken leg Wednesday during a struggle with a suspect, Capt. Dexter Nelson said.
Officer Jeff Coffey was injured about 5 a.m. at Willow Cliff Apartments, 5548 Willow Cliff Road, while arresting a Norman man who became combative while Coffey was walking him to his patrol car, police said.
Tommy Chasenah Jr., 26, was arrested on complaints of aggregated assault and battery on a police officer and public intoxication. He also had an outstanding warrant from Cotton County on a charge of obstructing a police officer, Nelson said.
Coffey encountered Chasenah about 5 a.m. while responded to call about a man knocking on doors at the apartment complex. After he handcuffed Chasenah, the suspect became combative and lunged at the officer, Nelson said.
Chasenah -- who is 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs about 230 pounds -- fell on top of Coffey, injuring the officer's leg.
The officer struggled to control Chasenah until a Warr Acres police officer and supervisor arrived to assist, police said.
Coffey was one of two officers involved in the in-custody death of a man arrested last year. The case is being investigated by the FBI.
Robin Leander Howard, 54, died in June after he was arrested by Coffey and officer Doug Grady.
The police department's criminal investigation found no wrongdoing on the part of either officer, Nelson said.
Howard's family made a formal complaint with the Oklahoma City Police Department. The complaint is being investigated by police internal affairs, Nelson said.
Copyright 2013 - The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
