By Cliff Pinckard
Source cleveland.com
WILLOUGHBY, OH—A police officer who ended up in a physical confrontation with a driver during a traffic stop received some unexpected help when four people joined the struggle and helped him restrain the suspect.
Police say the incident occurred just before 4:30 p.m. Saturday on Lost Nation Road when the officer pulled over David Koubeck, 64, of Mentor, for speeding. Police say Koubeck stopped, then got out of his vehicle through the rear driver’s-side door while the officer told him why he had been stopped.
The officer asked Koubeck to get out of the road and sit on the sidewalk. Koubeck reportedly became upset and yelled “I’m not sitting,” pointing his finger in the face of the officer. When the officer asked Koubeck to back away, he pushed the officer and again said he would not sit, police say.
Koubeck reportedly refused an order to put his hands behind his back and an order to put his hands on the vehicle. Koubeck and the officer then got into a physical struggle, but four people stopped to help. Another officer arrived moments later and Koubeck was taken into custody, police say.
The officer was taken to University Hospitals Lake West Medical Center for treatment for minor injuries.
“I would like to personally thank several great Samaritans and our wonderful community for their quick action and support,” police Chief Jim Schultz said in a post on Facebook. “I am so proud of our community and the tremendous support we receive on a day-to-day basis. Saturday was another awesome example. I greatly appreciate it! Thank you!”
Koubeck has been charged with assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, speeding and failure to wear a seatbelt. He is scheduled to appear Thursday in Willoughby Municipal Court.
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