Jan. 31--A St. Joseph police officer suffered a concussion after a crowd of party-goers allegedly attacked him.
Police responded to a loud house party in the 2500 block of Angelique Street shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday to find a "hostile crowd" ready to fight officers, said Cmdr. Jim Connors, spokesman for the Police Department. Three St. Joseph men were later charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, a Class C felony: Miguel Villegas, 32; Jose Rodriguez-Delgado, 22; and Luis Oliveras, 21.
Mr. Connors said a "melee ensued" as officers attempted to arrest a female in the home. One suspect is alleged to have struck Officer Jason Wilhoit in the face with a beer bottle and several times with his fists.
The hostility allegedly became so fierce, Mr. Wilhoit was ready to shoot one of the suspects.
"There almost was firearms deployment," Mr. Connors said. "The only reason there wasn't was because the other officer was standing behind the guy who he was going to shoot."
Meanwhile, additional suspects were allegedly attempting to crowd Mr. Wilhoit and steal his weapons.
"He couldn't fight much, he kind of got in a bent-over position and was trying to hold on to his Taser and firearm," Mr. Connors said.
He said a second officer, Matt Kneib, grabbed hold of Mr. Wilhoit and one of the assailants and locked themselves in a bathroom to keep the crowd from overpowering them.
"I looked at him and I could tell he had a dazed look and I knew he had taken a blow," Mr. Kneib's report said.
Mr. Connors said the party dispersed as backup arrived, however, other party-goers allegedly pelted rocks at officers as they questioned the suspects.
The three suspects charged are each being held in the Buchanan County Jail on a $30,000 bond and are scheduled for initial arraignments today.
None of the suspects sought medical treatment.
The two homeowners, Yusniel Roseales, 24; and Marissa Wilkerson, 20, were charged with violating the city's noise ordinance.
Mr. Wilhoit suffered a concussion and a loose tooth. He was treated and released from Heartland Regional Medical Center and is expected back on duty today.
Mr. Connors said police are still investigating the incident and additional arrests could be made.
Kim Norvell can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @KimNorvell.
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