A man was arrested on Sunday for allegedly punching a police officer in the face and putting him in a chokehold during an altercation in Newtown.
Daniel Morris, 40, faces charges of assault on safety personnel, interfering with an officer/resisting and disorderly conduct, according to the Newtown Police Department.
Police said they encountered Morris after they received a 911 call reporting a disturbance in the area of Hanover Road. The lone male officer who responded made contact with Morris who initially raised his hands in an apparent intent to surrender, according to police. Morris then allegedly punched the officer in the face, police said.
According to police, the officer tried to get control of Morris, but he allegedly put the officer in what was described as a “headlock” and “chokehold.” The officer was able to break free by lifting Morris — who police said weighs about 220 pounds — overhead and breaking the hold, according to police.
During a struggle on the ground, police allege Morris struck the officer in the face a second time. The officer was ultimately able to get him under control through what police called “lawful use of force proportionate to the threat presented.”
Both individuals suffered minor facial injuries during the incident. Morris was evaluated by medics at the scene and taken to Danbury Hospital. He was arrested after he was released from the hospital.
Morris was held on a $75,000 bond and was scheduled to be arraigned in Danbury Superior Court on Monday.