A Washington County deputy was hospitalized with minor injuries after being attacked by a drug suspect in Springdale late last week, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
James Crow, 46, of Huntsville was arrested last Thursday on suspicion of second-degree battery on an officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest. He was released the next day from the Washington County Detention Center on $5,000 bond.
Cpl Jacob Waggoner was patrolling Saddle Shop Lane in Springdale last Thursday when he came across a vehicle on the dead-end road. When Waggoner approached the car to talk with the occupant, who seemed to be hiding something, according to a preliminary report from the Washington County.
The deputy asked Crow to get out of the car, at which point the suspect tried to run away. Waggoner grabbed James, and the suspect turned to fight. The corporal lost his balance and fell backward. Crow then jumped on top of the deputy and tried to wrap his arms around Waggoner’s legs, according to the preliminary report.
The corporal pulled his Taser and shocked and pepper-sprayed Crow, before putting him into handcuffs, the report states. Waggoner searched the area and found 0.4 grams of methamphetamine on the ground, as well as two straws.
The corporal sustained a strained lower back and a strained right ring finger in the fight, according to the preliminary report. He was transported to Washington Regional Medical Center, where an emergency room doctor ordered the deputy take a few days off.
