Suspect knocks Shelby officer unconscious

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor.

SHELBY — A Shelby police officer was knocked unconscious by a 23-year-old Shelby man early this morning outside of the Mercy Health Shelby hospital, according to Oceana County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Craig Mast.

The officer, who is not currently being named, was treated at the hospital for a bump to his head and has been released, Mast said. The 6’1”, 175-pound suspect, who reportedly ingested a “substantial amount” of prescription drugs prior to the alleged assault, remains hospitalized, Mast said, but will be transported to the Oceana County Jail following his release. “He will be coming here next,” Mast said.

The incident began at 6:20 a.m. in the 100 block of Pine Street, where police were dispatched to a domestic assault. The Shelby officer called OCSO deputies to the scene for backup, but the suspect put forth no resistance at the scene, Mast said. He was taken to the hospital to be treated for ingesting the medication. As he was being escorted out of the patrol car, the handcuffed suspect lunged at the Shelby officer and knocked him to the ground, Mast said. OCSO deputies on scene were able to detain the suspect.

The man is being charged by SPD with domestic assault, and the sheriff’s office is charging him with assaulting a police officer and as a habitual offender.

The suspect’s name is not being released pending arraignment. Police are also currently not releasing what type of medication the man ingested.