BRANFORD, Conn. -- Police subdued a Bridegport man Sunday with the help of a citizen after the man allegedly charged at an officer and tried to grab his weapon.
Police arrested Leonardo Finelli, 39, of 1149 North Ave. Bridgeport, after he charged at Officer Joseph Peterson just after 3:30 am on Sunday while Peterson was checking on a suspicious Jeep parked in the parking area of 470 East Main St., police said.
"While Officer Peterson was checking on the Jeep, Finelli, who was not associated with the vehicle, charged at Peterson as he was exiting his patrol car, grabbed him around the waist and violently tried to push his way into the patrol vehicle while continually grabbing at the officers holstered firearm." said Sgt. Kris Hormuth, who was the shift supervisor.
Peterson, with the immediate assistance of the unidentified driver of the Jeep, was able to thwart Finelli's attack until Officers Rashaad Roach, Luigi Amasino and Lue Soberaij arrived to assist Peterson and take Finelli into custody, police said.
Subsequent investigation by officers determined that Finelli was a guest at a local motel and police said they suspect he was under the influence of a drug.
"I am grateful for the assistance of the driver of the Jeep." said Peterson, "His help allowed me to keep control of the situation until my back-up arrived and not have to use a higher degree of force to control his violent, aggressive behavior."
Finelli was charged with assault on peace officer; interfering with an officer; criminal attempt to steal a firearm; breach of peace and third-degree criminal mischief. He is currently being held in lieu of $25,000 bail and will be arraigned in New Haven Court on Tuesday.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
