PALESTINE —
A 35-year-old Houston man was being held in the Anderson County Jail Wednesday following his arrest one day earlier for allegedly injuring a Palestine police officer during the course of a traffic stop.
David Lee Sugars, 35, of Houston was being held in lieu of bonds totaling $255,000 late Wednesday afternoon on charges of assault on a public servant, attempting to take a weapon from a peace officer and resisting arrest, according to jail records.
Sugars’ bonds were set by Anderson County Justice of the Peace James Westley.
After being stopped for a traffic violation in the 200 block of North Church Street shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday, authorities say Sugars advised Palestine police officer Jason Lewis that he was a federal agent. The suspect, however, was unable to produce any evidence to verify his claim, according to authorities.
The officer had responded to the area after Palestine police received a complaint of a reckless driver operating a blue Chevrolet Tahoe on Crockett Road. One witness reported the vehicle had almost forced a mail truck off the road at one point, according to police.
Based on his movements, Sugars was directed by the officer to step outside his vehicle, according to Palestine Police Sgt. James Muniz.
Sugars was subsequently directed to remove his hand from his pocket, but failed to comply, according to the sergeant.
Based on the actions and behavior of the suspect, the officer attempted to place hand restraints on Sugars for the safety of both men, Muniz stated.
Sugars began to fight with the officer when he attempted to place him in restraints, according to police. Lewis was able to wrestle Sugars to the ground, but, during the struggle, the suspect hit the officer in the eye, causing him injury, according to the sergeant.
Sugars was holding his keys in his hand during the struggle, according to Muniz.
Additional officers subsequently arrived at the scene, and Sugars was taken into custody.
Lewis was initially transported to Palestine Regional Medical Center due to his eye injury and later transported to Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler where he was released Tuesday, according to Muniz.
Sugars did not suffer any serious injuries during the incident, according to police.
Palestine Police Det. Tommy Thacker is the lead investigator in the case.
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Paul Stone may be contacted via e-mail at pstone@palestineherald.com
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