2 Police Officers Hospitalized Following Large Fight In Norwich

NORWICH, CT — Two police officers were hospitalized after a fight that involved up to 20 people at a Norwich park, according to police.

Police were called to Jenkins Park on Mechanic Street at 4:48 p.m. Saturday and found a crowd of almost 300 people. A fight was in progress and two police officers attempted to separate the brawlers.

More people came in to join the fight and surrounded the officers, who called for assistance.

Officers spotted a man who was bleeding from the mouth and called an ambulance. As they did so, another man, Jaylen, Jarmon, 23, ran from a parking lot across the street and punched another male in the back of head within feet of the officer and the person needing medical attention.

The officer sprayed Jarmon with pepper spray who "continued his violent assault" then ran from the area, police said. Once backup arrived, officers approached Jarmon to arrest him.

Jarmon refused to be placed under arrest and violently attacked the arresting officers, according to police. Jarmon put an officer in a chokehold and began punching and kneeing the officer in the head, police said.

Officers "had to utilize physical force to get Jarmon to release the extremely dangerous chokehold," police said. Police used pepper spray, fist strikes, and a Taser to get Jarmon under control.

The crowd became hostile with police and officers used pepper spray on several other people, police said.

Police called in assistance from several other area departments, eventually clearing the park and shutting down the event.

Two police officers were transported to Backus Hospital for medical treatment, which included facial and head injuries sustained in Jarmon's alleged assault.

Jarmon was charged with breach of peace, assault on a police officer, second-degree assault, and interfering with an officer.

Jarmon's bond was set at $250,000. He later posted bond and was released.

Investigation into the brawl remains ongoing.

Anyone with information can contact the Norwich Police Department at 860-886-5561.