Man Punches Officer In The Face, Kicks K-9 After Running Out Of Gas In Waterford

WATERFORD, CT - Police said a Waterford officer was punched in the face after confronting a driver Monday. The officer had originally been sent to help the driver after he apparently ran out of gas, according to a release.

Officers were initially dispatched to Route 85 in the area of the Interstate 95 north off-ramp in Waterford to assist the fire department with a reported car fire. The fire department subsequently determined there was no fire and the vehicle had simply run out of gas on the highway. (To sign up for Waterford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

After talking with the driver, 28-year old Irving Gerome Hudson of Groton, the officer was able to determine his license was suspended. Police said the officer also detected an odor of marijuana.

Once another officer arrived on the scene and a search of the vehicle was conducted, police said Hudson attempted to take his car keys from the officer. The officers then attempted to take the suspect into custody, which he actively resisted by fighting with officers, police said.

Police said both officers were struck during the fight, with one officer getting hit multiple times in the face and neck. The suspect then broke free and fled, leaving one shoe at the scene, police said.

With assistance from New London, Groton, East Lyme and State police, officers tracked Hudson through various wooded areas, police said. The suspect eventually made his way to a New London apartment complex.

Police said the suspect was located hiding in an apartment and refused to comply with officers' verbal commands to surrender. Police said the suspect kicked a K-9 that was deployed at the scene.

Hudson was ultimately arrested and charged with assault on a public safety officer and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license among other charges. Both officers were referred for medical evaluation and released, police said.

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