A Fort Collins man was recently arrested on charges that include second-degree assault in an incident involving a Larimer County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy.
Alexander Quinton Gonzales, 29, was also charged with resisting arrest, driving under the influence and driving a defective vehicle after the incident, which occurred Saturday. Officials said that at approximately 11:20 pm, a detective observed a vehicle with a defective headlamp and a traffic stop was made at West Elizabeth Street and City Park Avenue in Fort Collins.
Officials said the deputy had reason to believe Gonzales was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and had him step from the vehicle for further investigation.
As a Fort Collins police officer stopped to assist the deputy, officials said the investigation revealed probable cause for the deputy to arrest Gonzales for DUI. But when the deputy attempted to handcuff him, Gonzales pulled away and began fighting with the deputy and Fort Collins officer.
At one point, Gonzales struck the deputy on the side of the head with his elbow. The deputy attempted to use a Taser to control Gonzales, officials said, but it was not effective. Gonzales was able to break free and fled on foot for a short distance. The deputy and officer caught up to Gonzales and he was taken into custody.
Officials said the deputy suffered a broken finger during the initial struggle with Gonzales and was treated at a local hospital. Gonzales suffered multiple abrasions during the incident, but did not require medical attention.
